Study Abroad: The Experience Of American Undergraduates Hardcover

Jerry S. Carlson

While it is assumed that American undergraduates who study abroad derive unique benefits from the experience, until now its actual impact has not been assessed. This book, which presents the findings of a long-term evaluation project, provides the kind of systematic and comprehensive data needed to document and give future guidance to programs of study abroad. Using comparative measures, the authors examine the effects of overseas study in terms of education, career, personal satisfaction, and cultural values. Undergraduates in four U.S. college and university programs involving nearly thirty European institutions were chosen for the study. The focus of the research is the role of study abroad in students' acquisition of foreign language proficiency, knowledge of and concern for foreign cultures and international issues, attitudes toward their home country and its values, and career objectives and accomplishments. Student profiles indicate consistent patterns in motivation, achievement, and satisfaction that relate to the experience abroad. In their conclusion, the authors look at the implications of their findings in the context of our times and society and offer suggestions for some new directions for study abroad in the coming years. This analysis will be relevant for educational decision-makers, funding organizations, government, and the research community.

9780313273858

English

ABC-CLIO

27 Aug 1990

264

JERRY S. CARLSON is Professor of Education and Cooperating Member of the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside. He is the recipient of awards from the Alexander von Humbolt Foundation for research on mental abilities and from the Council on International Educational Exchange for research in the area of international education.

Barbara B. Burn

David Yachimowicz

?Study Abroad: The Experience of American Undergraduates presents the findings of a long-term evaluation project examining the effects of overseas study in terms of education, career, personal satisfaction, and cultural values. Undergraduates in four U.S. college and university programs involving nearly thirty European institutions were included in the study. In their conclusion, the authors look at the implications of their findings and offer suggestions for some new directions for study abroad in the coming years.?-The Advising Quarterly "Study Abroad: The Experience of American Undergraduates presents the findings of a long-term evaluation project examining the effects of overseas study in terms of education, career, personal satisfaction, and cultural values. Undergraduates in four U.S. college and university programs involving nearly thirty European institutions were included in the study. In their conclusion, the authors look at the implications of their findings and offer suggestions for some new directions for study abroad in the coming years."-The Advising Quarterly