Date Approved
9-12-2012
Embargo Period
3-3-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. Higher Education
Department
Educational Services, Administration, and Higher Education
College
College of Education
Advisor
Sisco, Burton
Subject(s)
Foreign study
Disciplines
Higher Education
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the study abroad experience on selected students, using a qualitative approach. The participants in this study consisted of six full-time Rowan University students, during the spring 2012 semester. All six students had studied abroad for a full academic semester, within the last calendar year. Three separate interviews were conducted to examine students' goals and motives, cultural learning, transformational learning, and alcohol use and risky behavior, in regards to study abroad. The interviews were transcribed and content analysis was used to analyze the data. The study found that all students gained cultural learning and transformation learning, but to varying extents. This learning was often prompted by one, or multiple experiences, where the students were faced with a dilemma that caused them to reassess their assumptions. Alcohol use and risky behavior was found to increase during the study abroad experience.
Recommended Citation
Cuss, Charlotte, "A qualitative approach to understanding the study abroad experience" (2012). Theses and Dissertations. 221.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/221
