A recent study of over 6,000 study abroad returnees found that short term study abroad programs leave important and lasting impact on students. In fact, 83% of the students (from more than 20 US universities) said that their time in study abroad was the most meaningful experience for their college life.
Study abroad has grown by 150 percent in the last ten years. At Missouri, more than 1,200 students earned academic credits outside the US this past year -- nearly triple the number in 2001. In keeping with national trends, much of the growth occurs in short term programs led by Missouri faculty members. (For a current list of these MU programs, check here).
As short term study abroad mushrooms, many people worry if they have much effect. This study suggests they do.
Regardless of the length of study abroad experience, I argue that the impact on students is mainly determined by:
* the academic depth and rigor of the coursework
* the level of cultural interaction and immersion for the students
* the level of experience and sense of place that program leader(s) bring to the program
* the extent to which the program is integrated in the student's curriculum
The Forum on Education Abroad recently published a report on Good Standards for short term programs. I recommend it highly.
