Short-Term Study Abroad: The Students' Perspective on London 2019

Abstract

ContextMany study abroad experiences are difficult for athletic training students to attend because of the prescriptive nature of the athletic training curriculum. Short-term study abroad programs allow students to participate in an international educational experience without the time commitment of semester-long or yearlong programs.ObjectiveTo report the students' perspective of a short-term study abroad experience.BackgroundIn January 2019 a short-term study abroad program was offered for athletic training students. The program included attendance at a sports medicine conference, networking opportunities, and cultural activities.SynthesisThrough a group debriefing session and guided reflection questions, four athletic training students who attended the short-term study abroad program in London reflected on their preparations for the international travel and their experiences while abroad.Recommendation(s)Continued research should be conducted to objectively assess how short-term study abroad programs influence students' cultural awareness and cultural competency upon return.Conclusion(s)Short-term study abroad programs are one way for students to increase cultural awareness while staying on track with their athletic training curriculum. From the students' perspective, once they overcame the perceived barriers to international travel, the experience was positive, and they would recommend it to other athletic training students.