Year: 2008
Type: article
Abstract: While many studies exist on the effects or benefits of studying abroad, few studies seek to examine study abroad from a student point-of-view.Based on previous studies of the outcomes of study abroad programs, this thesis examined the student perspective of the impact of participation in a study abroad program.The research drew on her participation in several different study abroad programs and experience as a study abroad advisor/coordinator in order to bring a unique and personal appreciation of the inner workings of various study abroad programs to the inquiry.This study used grounded theory to examine data collected from student questionnaires, focus group sessions, and personal interviews to gauge the experience of ten university students, 18 years and older, who participated in a study abroad/education abroad program of any length while enrolled as a student at a mid-sized midwestern university.The overarching query guiding this study sought to examine students' perspective on the impact of participation in a study abroad program.In order to unearth a response to that guiding theme, five specific research questions were posed: (1) What sort of impact does participation in a study abroad program have on its student participants?(2) How are students' perceptions of the impacts of study abroad similar or different to the effects found or predicted by other scholarly studies?(3) Why do individuals choose to study abroad?(4) Do students think they experienced culture shock?(5) If yes, how does culture shock influence a student's study abroad experience?viii Last but certainly not least, I thank my family.Mum, Dad, and Kristen, I would not be at this point in my life if it hadn't been for your steadfast support, unconditional love, and inexhaustible faith.Even though we're hundreds of miles apart, you were always there to rejoice in my successes and pick me up off the floor when the going got rough.I am so blessed to have you three in my life.
Author: Megan A. Learman
Institution: Bowling Green State University
Language: English
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2242345442