The Long-Term Impact of Study Abroad on Honors Program Alumni

Frontiers Journal. Dickinson College P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013. Tel: 717-254-8858; Fax: 717-245-1677; Web site: http://www.frontiersjournal.com

Y

22

Study Abroad; Honors Curriculum; Alumni; Experiential Learning; Student Exchange Programs; Graduate Surveys; Online Surveys; Citizen Participation; Leisure Time; International Education; Cultural Awareness; Intercultural Communication

1085-4568

International education expands a student's perspectives, encourages interest in cultural variations, promotes critical analysis, and strengthens observational and interpersonal skills. Yet, even more research is seemingly needed to confirm the value of study abroad, not only for the individual students involved, but for communities and society at large, if study abroad is to be made accessible for all undergraduates of the United States. Specifically, there is a need for data to determine if Honors Program graduates, whom are anticipated will be successful in their professional realms of choice and will function as responsible, productive citizens, are significantly impacted by study abroad experiences--enough to behave in notably different ways than their equally talented Honors Program peers who did not study abroad as undergraduates. This study begins to meet that need, examining the long-term impact of study abroad within a ten-year population of Honors Program alumni. It questions, "Does study abroad make a long range difference for Honors Program undergraduates? Or not?"; and it purports that, if it does, educational institutions of higher education, government, and society at large must do a better job of promoting and funding it. Elmhurst College Honors Program alumni from the classes of 2005-2014 were surveyed. The survey included basic identifiers such as gender, academic major, number of years since graduation, and most importantly, inquiring whether or not the student studied abroad while studying as an undergraduate at Elmhurst College. If respondents indicated "yes" to studying abroad further questions were triggered to determine the general location and the length of study. The analysis of this survey clearly identifies a positive long-term impact for students who study abroad as undergraduates, especially in three of the four areas examined: career and educational pursuits; internationally oriented leisure activities; and institutional loyalty. The fourth area, civic engagement and awareness, yielded somewhat mixed results.

ERIC

38

2017

EJ1141570