Short-Term Study Abroad Program Research Articles

As Teachers Not Tourists: Creating Knowledge During a Short-Term Study Abroad Program

Here, I address the call for teacher education programs to feature international elements to help pre-service teachers craft powerful classroom instruction and successfully work with students from culturally diverse backgrounds. I share a qualitative investigation of participants’ experiences during a short-term study abroad program in Japan that explored contemporary disaster preparedness as a result of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The program sponsors, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hoped participants would develop an appreciation for the people and culture of Japan while they learned about disaster preparedness. I wondered if collecting curriculum items during a short-term study abroad program could help social studies pre-service teachers create—not just receive—historical domain knowledge? In Japan, participants collected items to use as featured resources around which they designed classroom activities for secondary students. Their activities demonstrated three levels of second-order historical domain knowledge and two elements of civic competence. This study suggests that pre-service teachers with no previous international experience may require explicit modeling and scaffolding to translate their short-term study abroad participation into dynamic learning. Another implication is that participants need strong support to consider the photographs they capture as artifacts of contemporary material culture.

Pedagogical relationships in short-term study abroad programmes: exploring the role of consumer identity in collaborative learning among Chinese students in the UK

PurposeThe marketisation of higher education fosters the notion of students as consumers, highlighting the shifting dynamics of student–teacher relationships. This paper aims to contribute to ongoing discussions about students as consumers and their involvement in pedagogical practices. We explore students’ experiences in short-term study abroad (SA) programmes that involve collaborative learning, examining how a consumerism-oriented approach affects students’ perceptions of their pedagogical identities and student–teacher pedagogical relationships.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative exploratory study was conducted to capture students’ rich and subjective perceptions and experiences. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 Chinese undergraduate students who participated in a short-term SA programme at a UK university. Following data translation and transcription, a thematic analysis approach facilitated our exploration.FindingsChinese students engage in SA programmes as a strategic investment in personal growth and transformation, with their consumer-oriented identity fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with educators and group members. This consumer mindset appears to enhance active student engagement and, to some extent, create reciprocal student–teacher interactions through power sharing and collaborative involvement.Originality/valueThis study presents empirical data exploring the impact of consumer identity on the dynamics of student–teacher relationships in the SA context. It provides recommendations for implementing pedagogical approaches designed to mediate the influence of consumerism on student engagement, particularly in shaping collaborative student–teacher relationships. This study offers insights for future research on the effects of consumerism in higher education within cross-cultural contexts.

“Experiential Learning” Is What Faculty Makes of It: Creating New Models of Understanding for Experiencing and Interpreting on Faculty-Led Short-Term Study Abroad Programs

Short-term faculty-led study abroad programs have gained in popularity amongst undergraduate students in the United States (IIE 2022). Yet, little research has investigated how educators on these programs perceive experiencing and interpreting, even though they constitute two key modules in experiential learning. Through semi-structured interviews with faculty at Generic University on how they conceive of experiencing and interpreting, the authors conclude that there is little commonality on those concepts. This divergence leads to different experiential learning study abroad programs. The authors place faculty interpreting and experiencing on a spectrum of understanding and demonstrate how that influences the pedagogical design of their study abroad program models. From the faculty members’ conceptions, the authors create two program models, which they have coined “Mobile Classroom Model” (MC) and “Home Base Model” (HB). The purpose of this article is to begin a conversation about how scholarship fails to address the lack of universality in the concept of experiential learning.

Meaningful short-term study abroad experiences: the role of destination in international educational tourism

ABSTRACT Short-term study abroad (STSA) programs are one of the most dynamic segments of international educational travel and tourism. Our study utilizes experiential learning theory (ELT) to investigate and compare the scope and depth of students’ encounters during STSA tours across four different global travel destinations (the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Vietnam, and the United States of America). Through an analysis of the learning journals of 116 undergraduate students who participated in these international study tours, we identify the types of experiences that students engage in during their STSA programs. Then we investigate which experiences are perceived to be more meaningful and to facilitate student learning. Last, we analyze these experiences across four different global destinations to explore how meaningfulness may vary. The study provides important implications for travel providers concerning the choice of travel destination and for higher education institutions that design and develop international educational tourism opportunities.

From linguistic insecurity to confidence: Language emotion and ideology in South Korean study-abroad students’ post-journey reflections

This study explores how emotions mediate students’ post-journey evaluations of their study abroad experiences and why specific emotions are valued in the evaluative process. Based on 175 post-journey reports and four focus-group interviews produced by South Korean students attending a short-term study-abroad program at U.S. universities, this study analyzes the emotional shift from linguistic insecurity to confidence. Their reflections show that their linguistic insecurity stemmed from their ideology of self-deprecation and the unfamiliar types of English encountered in the host country. However, they state that English-only environments and enhanced awareness of English as a lingua franca helped them overcome linguistic insecurity. In this process, they valued improved confidence in English, while defying the possibility of improving their actual English proficiency. Drawing on the ideology of English in South Korea, this study suggests that such a distinctive evaluation of emotions rationalizes students’ investment in English language learning.

Integrating Transnational Teaming and International Accounting into a Short-Term Study Abroad Program

ABSTRACT This paper describes a short-term, accounting-related study abroad program (STASA). Unlike traditional study abroad programs whose primary objective is to expose students to international environs and cultures, the described STASA also helps address the demands of accounting students’ future employers and accreditors by helping develop students’ transnational teaming skills and meaningfully integrating international accounting curricula. We do this by having U.S.-based students work both remotely and colocated with students from another country to complete an international accounting-related project. A detailed description of the STASA is provided that includes design considerations, learning objectives, implementation guidance, and possible grading options. Also included are answers to frequently asked questions about course execution, partnering with an international university, and funding.

Different Trajectories of Heritage Language Identity Development through Short-Term Study Abroad Programs: The Case of Chinese Heritage Learners

Learners of heritage languages (HLs) comprise a heterogeneous population. Because of their diverse backgrounds, the ways in which their HL identity develops in a study abroad (SA) context may vary. This paper presents a case study of Chinese heritage language learners (CHLLs) from a university in Australia who participated in a short-term SA program in China. To achieve a holistic understanding of the learners’ identity development, this study adopted a three-dimensional framework of HL identity development, applied a narrative approach and focused on individual differences. Data were collected from 34 post-program journal reflections from CHLLs. The learners’ narratives indicated that they assigned different degrees of importance and distinct meanings to the SA experience with respect to their HL identity development. While some actively explored their HL identities, others took a more outsider stance and did not develop much in terms of HL identity. We identified several possible statuses of CHLLs’ identification, which were conceptualised as focused explorer, balanced explorer, partial explorer, meanderer and outsider. Future intervention could provide personalised feedback, comments and guidance on students’ post-program reflective journals, either in a more specific or holistic manner, and acknowledge each HL learner’s advantages and limitations in their reflections.

The Influence Of Korean Nursing Students' Experience Of Major Converged Short-Term Study Abroad Program On Their Future Overseas Career Plans In The U.S

The Influence Of Korean Nursing Students' Experience Of Major Converged Short-Term Study Abroad Program On Their Future Overseas Career Plans In The U.S

Differences in the Approach of Students of Various Sex to International Mobility Programs: European Research Results

The purpose of this paper is to explore gender differences in learning experiences among students participating in international study mobility programs. It was undertaken by university students from several institutions of higher learning around Europe in the context of internationalization and intercultural education, which has become a central tenet among European institutions. The research on gender differences in student approach to international study mobility was carried out among 440 university students from five European universities within the context of the Competent student: Experienced Graduate: International Labor Market Key Competency Workshops project, conducted within the framework of the International Partnership Project on Student Mobility financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange. Taking into account both potential competences that are developed during Short–Term Study Abroad (STSA) programs and the usefulness of specific modes of learning during international study tours, the findings suggest that female students have a higher predisposition towards intercultural experiences on STSA programs.

Assessing the impact of a virtual short-term study-abroad program on Japanese university students’ global-mindedness

Short-Term Study-Abroad (STSA) programs are popular in Japanese higher education; however, participating students’ experiences are under-researched, particularly in areas outside of second-language acquisition. This study empirically assessed the impact of a six-week study-abroad program with a US university (conducted online as a virtual program due to the COVID-19 pandemic) on sophomore Japanese university students’ Global-Mindedness (GM). This mixed-methods study employed experimental (n=53) and control (n=82) groups to investigate the following research question: What is the impact of a virtual STSA program on the GM of participating students? Quantitative data were collected at three time periods (pretest/posttest/post-posttest) using a modified version of the 30- item, five-factor GM Scale (GMS, see Hett, 1993). Descriptive statistics and two-way ANOVAanalyses revealed a significant increase in the experimental groups’ posttest results, which then returned to similar pretest levels in the post-posttest period. Reflection papers, surveys, and semi-structured interviews informed the qualitative perspective, and findings suggested a need for sustained post-program supportive measures to help maintain students’ GM.

Modes of Study Abroad Learning: Toward Short-Term Study Abroad Program Designs Beyond the Study Abroad Effect

When a class is considered a study abroad rather than on-campus course, new criteria of learning, evaluation, and vocabulary often apply. Calling it “study abroad effects”, this article examines such effects on short-term study abroad programs in the US by introducing the notion of the “mode of study abroad learning”, a kind of study abroad effect that guides how students’ study during study abroad. The article investigates three syllabi and identifies four modes of study abroad learning: the course content without specificity, the use of the notion of immersion, the lack of theoretical engagement, and the use of non-academic vocabulary. Arguing that short-term study abroad programs are often positioned nominally as “academic” but substantially as “non-academic”, this article suggests ways to make such programs academically rigorous.

Cultural Intelligence and Short-Term Study Abroad Length: The Effect of an Undergraduate Cultural Development Course and Short-Term Study Abroad Program on Student CQ

Some colleges, departments, and study abroad offices have developed cultural development courses and study abroad opportunities designed to help improve students’ cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills. Some evidence suggests combining these approaches can be effective at helping students increase their Cultural Intelligence (CQ). This study examined the effects of a combined semester long, on-campus cultural development course followed by either a three- or six-week faculty-led study abroad program on student CQ. Students in both short-term programs increased in all four CQ domains (motivation, cognitive, metacognitive and behavior CQ) relative to a comparison group. No differences were found between the three- and six-week program for motivation, cognition, and behavior. However, there was a significant difference in metacognitive CQ between the two programs. Our study suggests participating in a semester-long cultural development course prior to a short-term study abroad increases undergraduate students’ motivation, cognitive, metacognitive, and behavior CQ.

The development of Chinese university students’ intercultural competence in a short-term study-abroad program

With increasing internationalization in higher education, more and more Chinese universities are providing students with exchange programs in cooperation with foreign universities. Hitherto, however, research about Chinese university students’ intercultural competence in a study-abroad context has been relatively rare. The present study, adopting a mixed-method research design, examines the development of Chinese students’ intercultural competence in a short-term study-abroad program, as well as the factors that might have a role to play in the process. It is found that the students made significant progress in intercultural competence after participating in the program and factors such as attitudes towards intercultural communication, cultural knowledge storage, English language proficiency and engagement in intercultural communication are important contributors to the development of intercultural competence in a short-term study-abroad context.

Enhancing the Cultural Competence of Baccalaureate Nursing Students Through Short-term Study Abroad Programs.

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of baccalaureate nursing students on a short-term study abroad program to Peru and the effect on baccalaureate nursing student cultural competence. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using student pretravel and posttravel journals. The major themes of advocacy, ethnocentric shift, and cultural competence emerged after the study abroad program. Results of this study will be used to inform and improve future study abroad programs to prepare students for a career caring for diverse clients.

Crossing the ocean to teach international business. Is it worth the trouble?

In this paper, we discuss the benefits and shortcomings of faculty-led short-term study abroad programs (STSA) as a tool to enhance international business teaching. While STSAs have been recognized as a valuable addition to business degree curricula, there are some understandable concerns about time constraints limiting the length of learning activities and possibly jeopardizing the program's academic rigor. We analyzed two editions of a week-long program of a leading Mexican university, covering international business topics in Europe. In particular, we centered our research on the students' perceived value with a balance of experiential activities and lecturing from academic experts. We found that more rigorous and academically loaded programs lead to higher student satisfaction. Based on a qualitative analysis of students' feedback, we identified five pillars of high-quality STSAs.

Racialized Experiences of Language Identities: Spanish Heritage Learners Studying Spanish in a Non-Heritage Country

The most recent Open Doors report by the Institute of International Education (IIE, 2020) indicates that the number of non-white U.S. study abroad students has been steadily growing over the past 10 years, and now it accounts for 31% of all students pursuing part of their education abroad. This study focuses on four Spanish heritage language learners (SHLLs) of Dominican, Mexican, Peruvian, and Colombian/Venezuelan descent with differing Spanish proficiency who enrolled in a short-term study abroad (SA) program for Spanish in Quito, Ecuador during May-June of 2017, 2018, or 2019. This SA program was sponsored by a four-year college in the southeastern U.S. This study included a closed-ended questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, (classroom) observations, e-portfolios, journals, and e-mails. A poststructuralist lens and Norton’s theory of investment were employed to explore the identities of these four undergraduates, their social networks, language, and culture learning opportunities, and how these experiences shaped their individual development. Considerations will be offered in terms of how a social justice-oriented curriculum can be a powerful approach to support the emergence of heritage language identities abroad in socially situated contexts. Civically oriented SA programs have the potential to help SHLLs construct global identities, increase communication skills, and gain global understanding, compassion, and tolerance for social change.  

High Impact Learning in a Short-Term Study Abroad Program

This study examines a short-term study abroad program in Costa Rica. The goals of the study are to (1) investigate the link between high impact learning practices (HIPs) and program learning outcomes and (2) capture the relation between program structure, program facilitation, and student learning networks. The methodology includes ethnographic observations, student interviews, and social network analysis. The implementation of three HIPs in the program (applied learning, project-based, and cultural-learning) drives the change in student network structure. The article places scholarly attention on how HIPs incorporated into the program structure influence changes in student learning and support networks as well as influence student reported learning outcomes. Abstract in Spanish Este estudio examina un curso a corto plazo en el extranjero que se llevó a cabo en Costa Rica. Los objetivos del estudio son (1) investigar el vínculo entre las prácticas de aprendizaje de alto impacto (denominado en inglés HIP) y los resultados del aprendizaje del curso y (2) capturar la relación entre la estructura del curso, la facilitación del mismo, y las redes de aprendizaje de los estudiantes. La metodología incluye observaciones etnográficas, entrevistas con estudiantes, y análisis de redes sociales. La implementación de tres HIPs en el curso (aprendizaje aplicado, proyectos, y aprendizaje cultural) influye en el cambio en la estructura de la red social de los estudiantes. El artículo enfatiza cómo las prácticas de aprendizaje de alto impacto, incorporadas en la estructura del curso, influyen en los cambios en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes y en las redes de apoyo, así como en los resultados de aprendizaje reportados por los estudiantes.

Secondary Short-term Study Abroad Programs as a Pathway for Increased Tertiary Intercultural Competence and Global Engagement

Secondary Short-term Study Abroad Programs as a Pathway for Increased Tertiary Intercultural Competence and Global Engagement

The Role of Short-Term Study Abroad Programs in Enhancing the Undergraduate Student Experiences: A Case Study of FPT University

Amid a developed world like the present, all trade activities between countries are almost free of barriers, and all areas of life also develop on a large scale. Including transnational education and short-term study abroad programs is clear proof of such social progress. These programs offer many benefits to college students, especially in enhancing the valuable student experience. The article focuses on analyzing different aspects of the role of these experiences through the case study at FPT University. From there, analyze and offer development solutions so that these study abroad programs are increasingly promoting their effectiveness, and more young people gain experience and skills to develop comprehensively besides cultivating professional knowledge at university.

Recommendations for Leading Short-Term Health, Kinesiology and Sport Study Abroad Programs

Participation in study abroad programs continues to grow among United States college students. These programs are primarily developed, proposed, supervised, and evaluated by university and college faculty members. The aim of this article is to provide planning and recruitment recommendations for faculty members who are either considering, or have limited experience in leading health, kinesiology, and sport-related study abroad programs.