Event Title

A Retrospective Analysis of the Perceived Benefits of Participating in Study Abroad Program

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

9-4-2012 1:00 PM

End Date

9-4-2012 2:30 PM

Student's Major

World Languages and Cultures

Student's College

Arts and Humanities

Mentor's Name

Evan Bibbee

Mentor's Department

World Languages and Cultures

Mentor's College

Arts and Humanities

Description

College is the perfect time for young adults to gain a global perspective, especially in an educational and professional context. Although most universities have requirements to assist students in expanding this global knowledge, the courses offered do not compare to the experiences and knowledge gained through participation in a study abroad program. Research that has been done on the topic of participating in a study abroad program has indicated that most students go in order to gain a better world-view, become more culturally aware, and in most cases, further their language development. This research will identify and further solidify the documented benefits of studying abroad and provide explanations for these benefits.

To gain first-hand insights to the benefits of participation, a survey (with both qualitative and quantitative components) was distributed to alumni of the Summer Study in France program. The responses received thus far have echoed the opinion that participation in a study abroad program is invaluable to students for the remainder of their academic career and in almost all personal and professional contexts that they might encounter. It is my hope that the results of this survey will be used to inspire other college students to participate in a study abroad program for the experience of immersing themselves in a new culture and also for the life- long benefits that they will gain.

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Apr 9th, 1:00 PM Apr 9th, 2:30 PM

A Retrospective Analysis of the Perceived Benefits of Participating in Study Abroad Program

CSU Ballroom

College is the perfect time for young adults to gain a global perspective, especially in an educational and professional context. Although most universities have requirements to assist students in expanding this global knowledge, the courses offered do not compare to the experiences and knowledge gained through participation in a study abroad program. Research that has been done on the topic of participating in a study abroad program has indicated that most students go in order to gain a better world-view, become more culturally aware, and in most cases, further their language development. This research will identify and further solidify the documented benefits of studying abroad and provide explanations for these benefits.

To gain first-hand insights to the benefits of participation, a survey (with both qualitative and quantitative components) was distributed to alumni of the Summer Study in France program. The responses received thus far have echoed the opinion that participation in a study abroad program is invaluable to students for the remainder of their academic career and in almost all personal and professional contexts that they might encounter. It is my hope that the results of this survey will be used to inspire other college students to participate in a study abroad program for the experience of immersing themselves in a new culture and also for the life- long benefits that they will gain.

Recommended Citation

Grumke, Emma. "A Retrospective Analysis of the Perceived Benefits of Participating in Study Abroad Program." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 9, 2012.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2012/poster-session-B/55