The Impact of Study Abroad on the Development of Pro-environmental Attitudes

Abstract

This study examines both the efficacy and durability of changes in student attitudes toward the physical environment as a result of a semester-long study abroad program. Consistent with previous studies, we find that study abroad has a positive impact on a student’s eco-worldview as measured by Dunlap’s (2000) revised New Environmental Paradigm Scale. We find, however, that student attitudes continue to evolve and change after returning to their home institution, in some instances exhibiting unexpected improvement, and in other cases there is evidence of a decline in attitudes towards the environment. Gender is also found to be a significant moderator of student attitudes towards the environment.