idahoans abroad

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Idahoans Abroad:

Analyzing University of Idaho Students Life Changesand Benefits Experienced from Studying Abroad

Hailey HirstUniversity of Idaho

Abstract: This article builds on previous studies that analyze the effects of studying abroadand educational travel for post-secondary students. It presents the findings of a study whichsurveys 28 University of Idaho students who have completed terms abroad during college.The author specifically explores the changes in lifestyle and outlook, the benefit of languageimmersion for second language mastery, the influence on future desire to travel or liveabroad, and whether or not students felt they would have experienced the same growth bystaying at their home university instead of choosing to spend a year, semester, or summerterm abroad. This study involving the students of a mid-size public university is applicable to

other university studies of a similar scope, and any research involving the effects of studyabroad on undergraduate students lives.

Keywords: Study Abroad, Post-Secondary Educational Travel, Study Abroad Benefits,University of Idaho Student Life, Undergraduate Study Abroad


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Introduction:

According to a poll in 2002 by the American Council on Education, 79% ofAmericans agree that students should study abroad at some point during college [1]. Withthis contemporary consensus of the necessity that American students study abroad, the

benefits of study abroad and educational travel have long been advocated, and its practicehas been part of college education for centuries. In prefacing a 2003 study on the impact ofinternational study experiences, M. Younes references the history of educational travel in the19th century. For young aristocratic males, a Grand Tour of Europe lasting several months oryears was the culminating experience in their education, for it allowed them an extendedperiod of time to see first hand what they had been studying in books for years. Althoughstudy abroad programs today are open to women and have become accessible to studentsfrom a wider range of socio-economic statuses, the motives to study abroad have remainedsomewhat constant over the centuries. The intent to see more of the world and exposestudents to different cultures has remained a motivation for educational travel. It fulfills thecross-cultural educational need that everyone must know in what way they are involved,how they are affected, and how they affect people in other countries [2].

Because of this need for international understanding, scholars have long beenstudying the effects of study abroad on college students in order to ensure that programs arereaching their goals of student growth and cross-cultural understanding. The discourseregarding the benefits afforded by studying abroad has been happening for decades. A 1966article from J.E. Gullahorn et. al analyzes the results of a study which seeks to understandthe outcomes and effects on American students from a term spent in France. This study wasperformed via distribution of surveys and interview questionnaires after students completedtheir foreign study, and analyzed the differences in professional versus personal growthamong students. In the 1960s the main objectives of educational exchange included thepromotion of international understanding, the educational development of outstanding

individuals, professional growth, and personal satisfaction [3]. The analysis in this study isheavily focused on the organizational gains of sending students abroad. Similarly, a 1961article The American Goes Abroad is attentive to the benefits of foreign relations and thefuture use of traveled students as teachers or researchers, but pays almost no attention to thepersonal benefits that students can experience with educational travel [4].

The goals of study abroad programs today include a greater focus on the individualgrowth that students experience rather than the organizational or institutional gains.Programs today are also very mindful of globalization. Gullahorn acknowledges the growingneed for educational travel experiences as a result of globalization and national economies,even going as far as saying that people who only surround themselves with others who sharetheir value systems hinder the participation in the human community [3]. In agreement with

this claim, C. Forbes stresses the importance of preparing students for citizenship in a globalsociety in her 2005 case study of American students in Peru. In her analysis that followsunder the umbrella of globalization, Forbes focuses on the value of cross-culturalunderstanding as a key to students study abroad experience [5].

While the last two decades have brought the world closer in terms of technologicalcommunications and subsequently as a global economy, studying abroad offers exposure toand a greater understanding of the globalizing economy, in addition to a slew of otherprofessional and personal affordances [6]. Researchers have found that study abroad


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participants gained the development of sophisticated cognitive skills, complex interculturalawareness, improved communication skills, a stronger and more mature personal identity,increased self-confidence, advanced second-language skills, and a general motivation towardssuccess and achievement [7].

As the last two decades have also seen steady growth in study abroad interest forundergraduate students, the number tripling between 1997 and 2007 from 99,448 to 241,791,more analysis has been published concerning the wide ranging benefits offered by termsspent abroad. Articles have consistently been published from case studies of certain groupsabroad, like a 2009 study on second-language acquisition in Spanish cultures [1], the grouptaken to Peru for three weeks in Forbes study [5], and a study of American students inGermany [8]. This study published in 2004 by L. King et al examines the involvement ofOregon State University students in their universitys study abroad programs, touting thatstudying abroad effectively accomplishes goals of internationalization and education forinternational competence, but would be improved and more highly effective if studentawareness and participation in study abroad programs increases [8].

Rather than focusing on the efficacy of the University of Idaho Study abroadprograms, my study seeks to answer the question: In what ways has studying abroad changedthe outlook and life plans of University of Idaho students? By analyzing the wide array ofbenefits experienced during study abroad terms, my goal is to understand the ways in whichstudying abroad has widened the worldview of Idaho students and how it has influencedstudents future plans for living or traveling abroad. Because travel and study abroad entails alevel of vulnerability when a student must navigate the world outside the comforts of theirown country, usually with more independence than theyve had before, study abroadexperiences are additionally some of the most formative ones for young adults. This studyaims to comprehend the significance of studying abroad for undergraduate students. Bycomparing my survey results with other studies, this paper will put University of Idaho

students in focus as a rural mid-size public land-grant university with a developed studyabroad program, and analyze how the lives of its students differ after studying abroad many of whom are venturing from North America for the first time.

In what follows I will describe the methodology of my survey performed with theUniversity of Idahos recent study abroad alumnae. I will present the findings of the study,analyze the survey responses in context with previous studies, and discuss the impacts andsignificance of the studys results.

Methods:

In order to collect data from University of Idaho students, I wrote a questionnaire todistribute to study abroad alumnae. The questions reflect the survey questions and statedbenefits found among those aforementioned articles that articulate the results of previousstudies. The questions I used are also somewhat reflective of the hypotheses I guessed mightbe true of student growth experienced abroad. The open format allows for the students towrite their level of agreement or disagreement with the potential benefits in question, and isopen for student comment. By formatting the survey in this way, the questionnaire takes on


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the mode of an interview with questions that are tailored to necessitate qualitative answerswith some depth of thought and honesty. Because the study was to be performed by emailrather than face-to-face for the sake of time, I kept the survey short enough so studentswouldnt mind putting time into it, but not so short that it wouldnt yield quality answers.

The questionnaire includes fifteen questions, some with multiple parts, on the effectsexperienced from studying abroad. The questions begin with basic information includinglocation of study abroad, previous travel, and initial intent to include study abroad inundergraduate study. The questions then deviate to query the personal changes experiencedby students including personal growth and lifestyle changes, cultural understanding, secondlanguage acquisition, future intentions to travel abroad, likelihood of living or workingabroad, and if students believed they would have experienced growth of a similar capacity iftheyd chosen to stay at the University of Idaho rather than to spend a term abroad. The fullquestionnaire can be found in Appendix A.

When the survey was ready, I contacted the student intern at the University of IdahoStudy Abroad Office. She forwarded the survey to her boss, who then distributed it to all the

study abroad alumnae from the past few terms. In total, the survey was emailed to about 560students. Over the course of one week, 28 students responded via email to return theiranswers to the questionnaire. Out of these 28 responses, only 3 participants are male and theremaining 25 are female. Females dominated the response at 89% and males at 11%. Theresponse rate to the large distribution is only 5% but due to the quality of response, 26surveys is a substantial amount of feedback to analyze. See Appendix B for these returnedsurveys for full disclosure of student responses.

Results:

The study abroad locations of the UI students surveyed span four continents. Theresponse group surveyed students from 21 different study locations all of which havelanguages besides English as their dominant official language.

The locations are as follows:- Buenos Aires, Argentina (2 students)- Graz, Austria- Florianopolis, Brazil- Chengdu, China (2 students)- Prague, Czech Republic- Loja, Ecuador- Quito, Ecuador-

Montpellier, France- Pau, France- Ingolstadt & Eichstaett, Germany (1 student over 2 terms)- Luneburg, Germany (2 students)- Accra, Ghana- Florence, Italy- Viterbo, Italy- Barcelona, Spain (4 students)- Bilbao, Spain


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- Granada, Spain- Madrid, Spain- San Sebastian, Spain (3 students)- Seville Spain (2 students)- Brunni, Switzerland

Students travel abroad prior to departing on their term abroad varied widely in mysample. Figure 1 compares students previous travel by splitting their declared previousforeign travel locations into three groups.

Fig. 1 Travel Prior to Studying AbroadOnly 12% of the students had not been outside the US prior to studying abroad. A

large portion (40% of respondents) had not ventured outside North America and had onlytraveled as far as Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.

Many of the studies referenced in the formation of this survey noted the importance

of personal growth as one of the main benefits of studying abroad in college. Figure 2 showsstudents level of agreement with the hypothesis that studying abroad fosters the personalchanges of increased maturity and independence.

Fig. 2 Students Level of Agreement in Personal ChangesOut of the 27 students, 15 students agreed that studying abroad made them more

mature, and 25 agreed that they are now more independent. Statistically, thats 56% percentagreement in maturity, and 89% agreement in independence.

Students also contributed comments to discuss other personal changes theyexperienced. Multiple students brought up each point of growth expressed in the followinglist. Students said that they experienced general personal growth due to the stress of a new

Nowhere outside U.S. - 12%

Canada/Mexico/Caribbean only - 40%

Elsewhere - 48%

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Maturity

Independence


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environment which they had to adapt to, along with the necessity of learning how to dealwith things on their own. They experienced improved problem solving skills and found thatwith the perspective they gained, little things bother them less now. Many students alsomentioned a greater level of cultural understanding, particularly in an increased awarenessabout how American affects the world. This point will be further touched upon in Figure 5.

As a factor in personal growth and development, and also an aspect of cross-culturalunderstanding, knowing how students lifestyles changed during and after their study abroadprograms is important in understanding the pervasiveness of study abroad benefits. Thefollowing group of responses is from a question concerning lifestyle changes experienced.Since it asked for general feedback rather than agreement, the answers vary more widely thanthose shown in previous figures, and would be impossible to quantifiably graph.

The most prevailing response agreed upon by students was that they are now moreoutgoing, empathetic, and open in social situations than they were before studying abroad.Many also answered with information regarding changes in diet: some indulging more whileabroad, and others eating healthier with fresh food. Diet was a point that often meant totalchange in eating habits including time of day and dishes, and was a part of their cultural

immersion.

Since studying abroad is an experience that undoubtedly widens the worldview formost students, it could have an effect on plans for future travel. Figure 3 shows the influenceof study abroad in response to a question asking if their experiences abroad encouragedstudents to travel more. While all students agree that they do intend to travel in the future,this figures focus is on whether or not studying abroad changed those plans.

Fig. 3 Study Abroad Encouraged Future TravelIn this figure, those students who answered no indicated that they had already

planned to travel in the future and studying abroad didnt significantly effect or change thoseintentions. The students who answered yes enthusiastically agreed that studying abroadopened their lives to future travel possibilities, and one student said that studying abroadmade her realize how feasible traveling really is. Many students used the term bitten by thetravel bug to describe the immense desire to see more of the world triggered by their

positive experience abroad. A few students expressed the urge to travel more, but coupledthat with concern over the expense of doing so.

Similar to measuring the effect that studying abroad had on plans for future travel,the changed likelihood of living or working abroad after the experience is a notable factor toanalyze. Figure 4 shows student agreement that they are now more likely to live/workabroad than before studying abroad.

Yes - 89%

No - 11%


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Fig. 4 Increased Likelihood of Living/Working AbroadIt is important to note that this figure combines a range of responses. While 21

students answered yes to the question and some went as far as to include information thatthey are already seeking employment or further education abroad, the range of negativeanswers is more complex. Of the 7 students who answered no, 1 said she wouldnt be willingto live or work abroad, but they is now more willing to travel for jobs. The other studentswho answered in the negative expressed that they already had a desire to live or workabroad, and that studying abroad did not effect that situation. A few of these students whoanswered negatively were those individuals who had done a greater amount of travel before

studying abroad.

Broadening students cultural understanding is one of the study abroad benefits thathas been published repeatedly since the 1960s. Important for fostering internationalrelations, and well-rounded and worldly individuals, this measure is one of the mostimportant ones in analyzing the range of benefits afforded by study abroad programs. Figure5 shows students level of agreement that studying abroad altered or improved culturalunderstanding.

Fig. 5 Studying Abroad Improved Cultural UnderstandingAs shown in the figure by percentage, 26 students answered yes and 2 students said

no. The students who answered negatively were those individuals who had spent a

considerable amount of time abroad in their lives before college, and they felt they alreadyhad a grasp on cross-cultural understanding. The rest agreed that studying abroad was aneye-opening experience for better understanding both cultures outside their own, and theirown. 10 students brought up their improved understanding of their own country inaccompaniment with their widened global-view.

In addition to understanding other cultures better, students agreed that they now seethe U.S. more critically and understand how significant America is to other countries.Students also brought up that their improved cultural understanding built on what they had

Yes - 75%

No - 25%

Yes - 93%

No - 7%


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learned in school in the U.S. but was unparalleled in genuinely knowing and feeling whatother places and cultures are like.

Since language immersion is important for the improved fluency of a secondlanguage, Figure 6 shows the relationship between terms abroad and language acquisition.

This data was collected in response to questioning whether or not studying abroad helpedstudents learn a second language. In all cases, this question was relevant. There were nosurvey participants who studied abroad in English-speaking countries.

Fig. 6 Study Abroad Improved Foreign Language SkillsThe 2 students who answered no, studying abroad did not help them learn or

improve a second language, were students who relied on the prevalence of English speakersin their locations of study. One student had studied in Ghana and the other was in China.

The costs associated with studying abroad can be a large, and are therefore animportant aspect of the experience and sometimes prevents students who wish to studyabroad from going. A question on the survey dealt with this, but did not ask students howburdensome the cost was. It asked if studying abroad was a big financial concern for thestudent and his or her parents, and if the experience was worth the expense. The question

did not facilitate a quantitative response, but has generated qualitative answers that touch onmany areas of the financial aspect of making study abroad part of college.

The overwhelming majority agreed that studying abroad was worth the money forthe benefits they gained. However, many students had concerns about the lack of financialplanning and knowledge of scholarships to help with expenses. Some students did havescholarships to go abroad, and others took out loans to go. On the opposite side of that,some students chose programs that were cheaper than the University of Idaho tuition theyhad been paying. Four others guessed that their programs cost roughly the same as Idaho.There were a couple notes in addition to this that since the students had chosen to study atthe University of Idaho and were able to pay in-state tuition, their savings on tuition costsover the duration of their degree allowed them to go abroad.

Studying abroad is an opportunity for students to meet people and make connectionsoutside their own community. This may mean connecting with other American studentswho are studying in their overseas program, bonding with a host family, or locals in theirnew community abroad. Figure 7 shows student opinion on whether or not studying abroadhas broadened their connectedness in the world.

The question in this case asked students whether or not they have more friendsliving outside their own community after living abroad for their school term.

Yes - 93%

No - 7%


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Fig. 7 Students Are More Connected Outside Home CommunityWith this question, many students commented that they are more connected with

people both within the U.S. and people in other countries. Many study abroad students areplaced in living arrangements with other American students, and those bonds are forgedalong with those with host families, language partners, and others. Social media andtechnology make it easy to stay in touch.

After navigating the world far from home, and usually more isolated from the

support system of their own communities, students gain a new level of independence asdemonstrated in Figure 2. In correlation with this benefit, one question on the survey askedstudents how they feel about independent travel in the future. Figure 8 compares theopinions of students on the prospect of traveling alone now after navigating the world oftheir study abroad experience.

Fig. 8 Student Opinions on Solo TravelOnly one student answered that she still would not travel alone, under any

circumstance. The others varied in the range of still being nervous but feeling more capablenow than they did before studying abroad, or fully embracing the prospect of independentlynavigating other countries.

One of the most abstract benefits to measure is the importance that studying abroadhas as a formative experience in the lives of young people. In one of the final survey

questions, students were asked simply if they thought that they would be the person they aretoday without studying abroad, and gave room for commentary on the question. Figure 9shows students level of agreement that they would not be who they are today withoutstudying abroad, and demonstrates the high level of importance the experience played intheir individual growth.

Yes - 89%

No - 11%

Yes, that sounds invigorating

It's scary, but exciting

I feel more capable now

I still wouldn't do it


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Fig. 9 Students Level of Agreement I wouldnt be who I am today without studying abroad

In commenting on this question, students detailed some of the changes in their livesfostered by studying abroad beyond those personal changes previously discussed with Figure2. Students mentioned the importance that studying abroad had in forming who they arenow, including that it changed how they view their lives, that it helped them grow and evolvemuch faster than when in Moscow at U of I, and one student claimed that her experienceabroad was one of the top three most formative experiences of her life. The one student

who disagreed with this claim had experienced a significant amount of travel and had spentextended durations of time abroad before college, and therefore the formative aspects ofstudying abroad were not as significant in contrast to other travel and life experiences ingeneral.

Following the question about the formative aspects of studying abroad, the nextsurvey inquiry seeks to understand the role that studying abroad played in offering personaland academic growth compared to staying at the University of Idaho alone. This data doesnot need a table or figure to compare results because student opinion was unanimous on thissubject. In answering if students believed they would have experienced the same personaland academic growth by staying at University of Idaho instead of choosing to spend a term

abroad, all 28 students answered no none of the students would have experienced thesame growth if they had stayed in Moscow.

Commentary on this topic included discussion on the benefits of languageimmersion in learning in along with the fact that the levels of language classes offered atforeign universities have no equivalent in Moscow. Students also noted their improvedglobal perspective, and that the stressful situations they encountered while abroad allowedthem to grow in ways that staying in their community simply does not allow.

After the list of set questions, the questionnaire also offered a space where studentscould add in information that they thought important beyond what was included with in thelimits of the previous questions. Many students were encouraging about their experience and

recommended studying abroad to all students, and were overwhelmingly positive about theirexperiences while wishing other students take advantage of study abroad opportunities whilein college. Some also wanted to make sure they mentioned the downsides to studying abroadsince the questionnaire had focused on the positive aspects. Although students wouldrecommend other students study abroad because of those benefits gained, many wanted it tobe clear that the benefits arose from challenges and stress.

0 5 10 15 20 25

Disagree

Somewhat agree

Agree


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Analysis:

The data gathered covers many aspects of studying abroad in effort to understandthe wide range of benefits that students are able to experience. Studying abroad presentsopportunities that are different than those involved with leisure travel or vacation, which is

why educational travel is differentiated and put in focus for this study. In his study, Younesclaims that international study transforms the student from the role of an uninvolved touristto that of a traveler [2].

Even though 48% of students in my sample had been outside of North Americabefore studying abroad as shown in Fig. 1, their participation in study abroad programs stillafforded growth and benefits that were unable to be obtained simply by traveling alone. Wesee by the unanimous agreement that all students would not have experienced the samegrowth had they stayed in Idaho for the duration of their degree, regardless of previoustravel, how greatly studying abroad affects student life in a range of ways that is special to theexperience of studying abroad.

In a 2009 study on second language awareness and development during study

abroad, G. Lord prefaces her case study with details that study abroad programs have beenshown to greatly improve students oral fluency of second language, but have lesser effectson written fluency. In analyzing her students journal entries, Lord found marginal growth inwritten fluency, but the student was not tested for oral fluency at all, leaving this study one-sided in testing linguistic development over a study abroad term [1].

Since my study does not differentiate between the two types of fluency, but does askif students felt their experience helped their knowledge of second language, the results ratethe students perception of their language growth while abroad. Many students in my samplewrote that they experienced improved conversation ability that was fostered by interactingwith host families and other native speakers. Because 93% of Idaho students agreed thatstudying abroad improved their second language skills, I can draw the conclusion that

immersion improved their oral fluency and that they were able to build upon written fluencythey had been learning before their term abroad.

The only two students in the study who did not experience language growth werestudents who studied in Ghana and China, and had not previously studied the nativelanguages of their study abroad destinations. Though they picked up a few phrases whileabroad, they were not able to build on previous knowledge and return with improvedsecond-language skills like the remainder of the students did.

In focusing on the personal growth that students experienced from studying abroad,Younes and Salisburys studies both list some of the potential areas of growth. These includethe development of sophisticated cognitive skills, a stronger and more mature personal

identity, increased self-confidence, an awakened interest in other cultures, and other excitingelements of personal discovery [2, 7]. The students in my study responded positively withhigher self-confidence. Along with agreement in areas listed above, they are more outgoingand open in social situations, and have more empathy for other people from their own andother cultures. They also claimed having gained perspective on their lives in the scheme ofthings, and tend to stress about small things less. Younes speaks to this by saying thatpersonal revelations come about for students via coping with stress and adapting to a newenvironment. From this, growth occurs and a new sense of self transpires [2].


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Younes also reports that along with the personal growth, students in their studybecame more confident in their ability to travel in the future [2]. All the students in thesample of my study do plan to travel in the future, and 89% of them agreed that studyingabroad encouraged them to do so more. Studying abroad showed them how accessible othercountries are, and broke down mental barriers about the prospect of leaving home. In

addition to this affect, Fig. 8 shows that almost all the students feel capable of travelingindependently now.On this same trend of encouragement to travel more and navigate the world on their

own, Fig. 4 shows the affect that studying abroad has had on students desires and plans towork or live abroad at some point after college. This figure shows the influence of studyingabroad in increasing their interest to live or work abroad, the majority agreeing that they aremore likely to do so now than they were before. Their new independence and experience ofadapting to a different environment proved that they could do it again in the future.

M. Younes study reports that along with the wide range of personal developmentsand self-discovery, studying abroad plays a role in forming and changing career goals ofstudents. The personal benefits described above cross into influencing professional

characteristics as well [2]. On the subject of students future employability, S. Opper wrotethat studying abroad signals a candidates initiative, self-reliance, persistence, ability to adaptin differing cultures, and to cope with ambiguity [6]. In Fig. 2 of my study, 89% of studentsagreed that they are more independent and 56% agreed that they are more mature as a resultof studying abroad. Along with this, the students understand the impacts that studyingabroad has had on their problem-solving skills and improved resilience when faced withchallenges.

Opper also reported that study abroad graduates sense the impact of their stay onlifetime goals, which affects their priorities for a career via the larger scheme of things,including an overwhelming desire to live abroad [6]. Some respondents in my study reportedthat they are already looking into jobs abroad now that theyve returned home, and others

would be willing to relocate abroad if given the chance. As seen in Fig. 4, 75% of studentsare more likely to live or work abroad than they were before.

In correlation with this number, a study by M. Parey et. al investigates the effects ofstudy abroad on international labor market mobility later in life for university graduates. Theresearchers found that studying abroad increases an individuals probability of working in aforeign country by about fifteen percent [9]. Although my study did not measure thelikelihood of students actually working abroad, it measured their desire and willingness to doso, and confirmed that studying abroad had an impact on their future career plans. Onestudent noted that although she is not interested in living abroad, she is more willing totravel for work now.

Since cross-cultural understanding and global awareness were focuses in several ofthe articles that this study was built upon [3, 5, 6, 9], the analysis of Idaho students whoveexperienced improved cultural understanding is key in understanding the benefitsexperienced from studying abroad. Due to the rural nature of the University of Idaho, andthat many students are from Idaho or the surrounding northwestern states, the broadenedworldview and increased global awareness experienced is one of the most essential benefitsoffered by study abroad programs.

As shown in Fig. 5, 93% of Idaho students agreed that they have an increased levelof cultural understanding. A significant amount of those students included details that they


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not only better understand the cultures which they had been immersed in for terms abroad,but also better understand the idiosyncrasies of American culture and its impact on the restof the world. The only two students who felt that studying abroad had not changed theircultural understanding were those who had spent a large amount of time abroad beforehand,and already felt that they had a developed cross-cultural understanding.

While Opper stated that the desire to gain another perspective on the home countryis one of the common motives to study abroad [6], it seemed more like an unexpected aspectof cross-cultural understanding that was gained in my sample of students. Although studentsexpected to, and did gain a better understanding of cultures outside their own, they weremore surprised to be impacted by their newfound understanding of the United States. Somesaid they appreciate their own culture more now, and others are more critical of it, afterliving in a different country for an extended period of time.

Studying abroad widens the worldview of students, and helps them be betterprepared to work and live as part of a global economy. As part of this wider network ofindividuals, studying abroad offers students the chance to become better connected outsidehis or her own community. Younes describes studying abroad as an arena where a unique

form of kinship emerges that is unique to study abroad [2]. Because of the high levels ofstress and task of adjusting to a new different environment, the students involved inprograms form bonds of friendship in the face of adversity at the same time reaching newlevels of self-reliance.

The relationships formed while studying abroad provide a network during and afterthe program has ended. In Fig. 7 we can see the broadened connectedness that students feelas a result of studying abroad, in the form of the unique kinship bonds. 89% of respondentsfeel they have more friends and acquaintances outside their own community now. Theydetailed that their new connections are both American and international individuals.

Discussion:

All of this research builds on the theory that studying abroad offers a broad range ofbenefits to university students. In seeking to find what ways studying abroad has changed theoutlook and life plans of University of Idaho students, this study has found positive results.By condensing qualitative responses and the data shown in figures within the Results section,we know that the majority of Idaho study abroad alumni have become more independentand mature, and have better developed problem-solving skills as a result of studying abroad.They are more outgoing, empathetic, and open in social situations. They are now more likelyto live abroad as a result of their experience, and are encouraged to travel more in the future.

They are more connected outside their home communities, and have improved foreignlanguage skills. They have improved cross-cultural understanding and are better prepared tobe citizens in a globalized society. The majority of them agreed enthusiastically that theywould not be who they are today without studying abroad. And all of the students surveyedagree that they would not have experienced the same personal and academic growth bystaying in Idaho for the duration of their degree.

All of these positive aspects brought together and cemented by the lastcomprehensive benefit show the importance of studying abroad in University of Idahostudents academic and personal development. These students have taken advantage of the


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benefits of traveling while young and otherwise unengaged before entering the workforce.They experienced an unparalleled opportunity to spend an extended duration in a foreignplace, gaining exposure to different types of academic and cultural atmospheres. All fromwhich, their perspectives changed to be more open and positive.

Some of the studies that have been used to preface this research have used smallstudy samples. Lord studied the experience of just one student in her analysis [1]. My sampleof 28 students is large enough that it is more reliable for generalizing results, and can beapplicable to a broader range of similar universities. The heavily female skewed sample maybe seen as problematic (25 females to 3 males), but it aligns with the trend of femaledomination of most study abroad programs. M. Salisbury seeks to understand the gender gapin study abroad in her article. Salisburys is one in a growing number of studies on thesubject, but the trend is still not well understood [7].

One of the drawbacks of the list of survey questions used was that some allowed forstudents to respond simply with yes or no answers. Where many of the participants

elaborated upon their yes or no answer, some didnt. Although all the feedback was used inquantifying responses that ended up in many of the figures, the qualitative data gained fromthose individuals who wrote more was vital in understanding the range and depth of affectsexperienced from studying abroad. If this study were to be performed again in the future, thefeedback could be improved if each question necessitated a qualitative response with somelevel of elaboration.

Another limitation to this study is the campus homogeneity. According to theUniversity of Idahos student demographic report, the student ethnicity is 80% white withthe next prevalent ethnicity being Hispanic/Latino at 7%. All other ethnicities arerepresented with 4% or less [10]. This study did not ask students to declare their ethnicity,

but this could be significant to other studies.This study also did not ask for information regarding the socio-economic status of

themselves or their families. Although it did ask about the financial aspects of studyingabroad, the scope of understanding this aspect is somewhat limited. However, this study didgain enough qualitative response to understand that due to the affordability of certainprograms, scholarships offered, or because students at the University of Idaho are generallynot spending a large amount of money on tuition, many students have the means to takeadvantage of study abroad opportunities.

Some of the closing comments in students surveys said that because the experiencethey had and the benefits they gained were well worth the cost (that varied by studentdestination and program), they thought studying abroad should not just be an option, but a

requirement, in undergraduate study it was that important for their education and personallives.

Studying abroad is not just a luxury relegated to wealthy aristocratic males anymore.Its accessible to students in many disciplines and can be accessible, with the help ofscholarships and financial planning, to a huge range of students if they have the will to makethis experience part of their university education. Studying abroad is incredibly beneficial informing the kind of autonomous and capable adults that will lead this country further intothe global age. In light of this research, I may go so far as saying that students who choose


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not to go abroad are not only doing themselves a disservice by denying themselves the widebenefits possible, but also doing their country a disservice by choosing not to study abroad.Although this study does not attempt to comprehend the reasons for which students chooseto study abroad or stay at home, its demonstration of the benefits acquired and weight of theexperience prove that studying abroad facilitates kinds of growth that are difficult to gain in

the same culmination and density at a home university.

References:

1. Lord, G. (2009). Second-language awareness and development during study abroad: Acase study. Hispania, 92(1), 127-141. Retrieved from JSTOR.

2. Younes, M. (2003). The world as a classroom: The impact of international studyexperiences on college students. College Teaching, 51(4), 141-147. Retrieved fromJSTOR.

3. Gullahorn, J.E., & Gullahorn, J.T. (1966). American students abroad: Professional versuspersonal development.Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 368,43-59. Retrieved from JSTOR.

4. Shank, D. (1961). The American goes abroad.Annals of the American Academy of Political andSocial Science, 335, 99-111. Retrieved from JSTOR.

5. Forbes, C. (2005). Taking a critical pedagogical look at travel-study abroad: A classroomwith a view in Cusco, Peru. Teaching Sociology, 33(2), 181-194. Retrieved fromJSTOR.

6. Opper, S. Study Abroad: a competitive edge for women? Oxford Review of Education, 17(1),45-64. Retrieved from JSTOR.

7. Salisbury, M. (2010). To see the world or stay at home: Applying an integrated studentchoice model to explore the gender gap in the intent to study abroad. Research inHigher Education, 51(7), 615-640. Retrieved from JSTOR.

8. King, L., & Young, J. (1004). Study abroad: Education for the 21st century. DieUnterrichtspraxis/Teaching German, 27(1), 77-87. Retrieved from JSTOR.

9. Parey, M., & Waldinger, F. (2011). Studying abroad and the effect on international labormarket mobility: Evidence from the introduction of Erasmus. The Economic Journal,121(551), 194-222. Retrieved from JSTOR.

10. Student Demographics Report. University of Idaho. Retrieved fromhttp://www.uidaho.edu/about/fast-facts.


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Appendices:

Appendix A Study Abroad Questionnaire

1. Where did you study abroad?2. Had you been to a foreign country before studying abroad?3. Did you know as an incoming freshman that you wanted to make studying abroad

part of your college experience?4. Did studying abroad make you more mature or independent? What personal changes

have you noticed in yourself?5. Has your experience encouraged you to travel more in the future? How frequently

and how far away do you plan to travel in the next five years?6. Are you more likely to live or work abroad than before your term abroad?7. Did it change daily habits like diet or social practices?8. Was your experience eye-opening culturally Do you feel you better understand

cultures outside your own now?9. Did it help you learn another language?10.Was studying abroad a big financial concern for yourself/your parents? But

ultimately worth it?11.Do you have friends who live in other states or other countries? Besides family

members, are you connected outside your community? Are you more connected nowafter studying abroad?

12.Do you feel independent and capable of navigating the world by yourself, or doesthat seem a little scary?

13.Do you think you would be the person you are today if you had not studied abroad?14.Do you think you would have experienced the same personal and academic growth

by staying at the University of Idaho instead of going abroad?15.Is there any extra info that you think is important about your experience?

Appendix B Student Responses

Student 1 (female) Sarah Johnson:1. Where did you study abroad?

a. Barcelona, Spain2. Had you been to a foreign country before studying abroad?

a. Kind of (Canada?)3. Did you know as an incoming freshman that you wanted to make study abroad part

of your college experience?

a. Yes because I knew that I wanted to be an IS major and it is a requirement.4. Did studying abroad make you more mature or more independent? What personal

changes have you noticed in yourself?


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a. Well I have always thought I was independent, and I was to a point, but Irealized after studying abroad that up until that point in my life I was

extremely dependent on my friends and family. When I went abroad I knew

no one I went with and you have to learn to depend solely on yourself. In

that way I did become more independent and it has given me confidence to

know that after college I can move wherever I want (even in the US) withoutknowing anyone and be completely fine. This has given me both more

confidence and more freedom because I have no limits placed upon myself

after graduation and I know that I will be fine and make friends wherever I

end up.

5. Has your experience encouraged you to travel more in the future? How frequentlyand how far away do you realistically plan to travel in the next 5 years?

a. This experience has encouraged me to travel more. I have only been back inthe states around three months and I am always wishing I could still be there

seeing new things, places, and people. I would like to travel more than I will

be able to because financially I will probably not be able to take to many

trips! As soon as I do get enough money saved up I would love to travel back

to Europe and visit all the friends I have made that live over there.

Realistically it will take 4-5 years before that will happen.

6. Are you more likely to live or work abroad than before your term abroad?a. I would love to live/work abroad but I always wanted to do that. However,

after studying abroad I realized how hard it is to actually live and work

abroad and all the paperwork and applications needed in order to make living

abroad a reality.

7. Did it change daily habits like diet or social practices?a. Yes, I walked much more daily as driving was not an option. Even when I

would take the metro (subway) it was still about a 15 minute walk from my

house. In America (at least in Idaho) people are really friendly and will talk to

other people/smile at them for no reason. When I was in Spain their culture

was different and it was uncommon for interactions between strangers. In

the States I rarely eat meat but in Spain it was given to me by my host family

with every meal and that was hard to adjust to.

8. Was your experience eye-opening culturally? Do you feel you better understandcultures outside your own now?

a.

Yes, I believe my experience was extremely eye-opening. Not just in Spain,but in the rest of the world. Living abroad forces you to look at the bigger

picture which is much more than what happens in the US. Hearing other

people's perspective on American culture, while difficult to hear, was

beneficial and eye-opening as well and forced myself to look at my own life

more critically. Spain has such an interesting and different culture than

Americans and was interesting to see how another culture lived.


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9. Did it help you learn another language?a. Yes to some extent it helped with my Spanish. However, the school we went

to was strictly for foreign kids so the friends I made were from all over the

world and English was our common language. This meant that we would

speak almost all the time in English and my Spanish did not get practiced

nearly as much as I would have liked. Also, the region in Spain that I lived inhas two official languages (Catalan and Spanish). Often, people would be

speaking Catalan and I would not get to practice my Spanish by listening.

10.Was studying abroad a big financial concern for yourself/your parents? (Butultimately worth it?)

a. Studying abroad cost me 12,750 dollars just for tuition/room and board.This did not include the money spent on airplane tickets, visa applications,

travel money once I was there, etc. However even though I worried about

the cost it was an experience I would not trade for anything and I have made

memories and friendships that I will remember forever. I have my whole life

after college to work so they six months I spent traveling and seeing part of

the world is invaluable to me.

11.Do you have friends who live in other states or other countries? Besides familymembers, are you connected outside your community? Are you more connected

after studying abroad?

a. Studying abroad/traveling in Europe has connected me to many people thatI still stay in contact with. I have friends in Germany, Australia, Morocco,

France, Denmark, Sweden, and England that I would have never made if I

didn't study abroad. Before studying abroad I was not friends with anyone

outside of the United States.

12.Do you feel independent and capable of navigating the world totally by yourself, ordoes that seem a little scary?

a. I traveled with a friend five weeks before my program started and for thelast two I traveled completely by myself. Although navigating alone can be a

little intimidating, everything is written in English and people will help if you

get lost or need help. The time I spent by myself was one of the most

beneficial parts of my study abroad experience. I went to Denmark, Sweden,

and Finland alone and was forced out of my comfort zone, which allowed

me to open up and make friends (all of whom I still talk to today). Traveling

with someone is fun and enjoyable, but I will say that the time I traveledalone was a freeing experience and was one of the best parts of my trip.

13.Do you think you would be the person you are today if you had not studied abroad?a. I think I would be the same person to an extent. I have always been aware of

other cultures and the faults of our own due to my interests and my major,

but it has given me a different perspective on myself. I can now adapt to

change more easily and realize what I truly enjoy in life. Things that mattered


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before I left to study abroad don't seem as important now that I am back and

that has been a very positive thing.

14.Do you think you would have experienced the same personal and academic growthby staying at the University of Idaho instead of going abroad?

a. No, studying abroad was immensely beneficial. I live in a sorority and meetnew people all the time, but it is a different experience when I was forced outof my comfort zone (Idaho) and I was able to truly grow and change that

way.

15.Any extra info that you think is important about your experience?a. Don't be afraid to go experience the world even if you go by yourself. It is an

experience that is beneficial on many different levels and, although costly,

worth it.

Student 2 (female) Emilie Jeneson:

1. Where did you study abroad?a. Seville, Spain

2. Had you been to a foreign country before studying abroad?a. I had visited Canada and Mexico but not for extended amounts of time.

3. Did you know as an incoming freshman that you wanted to make study abroad partof your college experience?

a. Yes!4. Did studying abroad make you more mature or more independent? What personal

changes have you noticed in yourself?

a. Both. I noticed a great change of being independent and enjoying time alonemore when I was abroad than I did when I was in the United States. I was

able to figure out and plan more on my own and without the help of family

and friends.


a. Absolutely, I have had the travelers itch since the day that I came back frombeing abroad. Realistically I hope to travel my whole life. I hope that I come

into a profession that allows me to travel around the world until I am ready

to settle down somewhere. If I do not find that perfect occupation right away

I hope to travel abroad at least 2-3 times in the next 5 years.

6. Are you more likely to live or work abroad than before your term abroad?a. Yes, I managed to get a minor in international business when I returned in

hopes that I will be able to work abroad after I graduation.

7. Did it change daily habits like diet or social practices?a. It changed a lot of my daily habits considering I was in a foreign place and

living with a host family very accustomed to a different way of life. We ate

very little for breakfast, very large lunches and small meals for dinner around


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10pm. These eating habits were very different from mine and were hard to

get used to. I enjoyed that there was more fresh fruit and less preservatives in

the food in Europe.


a. I not only understand my own culture better now but how significantAmerica is to other countries. I understand European cultures much more

now than I did before going abroad too.

9. Did it help you learn another language?a. Yes, living with a host family and meeting other Spanish people my age

helped me immensely with learning the language.


a. No. The cost of studying abroad for me was roughly the same amount it isfor me to attend a semester at U of i. Although there are other expenses that

are included in studying abroad I knew that even if I had to take out a loan it

would be extremely worth the experience.

11.Do you have friends who live in other states or other countries? Besides familymembers, are you connected outside your community? Are you more connected

after studying abroad?

a. I had friends in other states and countries before studying abroad but I nowhave many more than I did before! I definitely try to stay in touch with them

and would say I value my connections with people outside of my community

more after being abroad.


a. I feel very capable of navigating the world but not completely by myself. Itseems a little scary especially when thinking about traveling in third-world

countries where I am unfamiliar with the culture and language.

13. Do you think you would be the person you are today if you had not studied abroad?a. No, most definitely not.

14. Do you think you would have experienced the same personal and academic growthby staying at the University of Idaho instead of going abroad?

a. No. After going abroad, I decided I was unhappy with my major and wantedto pursue something completely different.

15.Any extra info that you think is important about your experience?a. I would say that getting the ultimate experience of studying abroad involves

staying with a host family and meeting as many local people as possible.

Student 3 (female) Carly Siegwarth:1. Where did you study abroad?


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a. Chengdu China2. Had you been to a foreign country before studying abroad?

a. Does Mexico count?3. Did you know as an incoming freshman that you wanted to make study abroad part

of your college experience?

a.

Honestly, no. I didnt know until the end of my sophomore year of collegethat I wanted to study abroad. After hearing a lot of my sorority sisters talkabout their experience studying abroad I thought it sounded like a lot of fun!

4. Did studying abroad make you more mature or more independent? What personalchanges have you noticed in yourself?

a. I would say that it made me both more mature and more independent. Ithink compared to a lot of students I had a more unique experience whilestudying abroad in China. I think it was hard being on my own at times and Ilearned a lot about myself and how I handle certain situations. For example,if I was in a difficult situation I couldnt just call my parents up and havethem help me fix the situation, I learned how to deal with things one myown.


a. Heck, I would love to travel more! But I need the moola! But yes, studyingabroad I guess you would say opened my horizon to traveling more.Realistically, I would like to travel but Im also preoccupied trying to figureout the real world but would love to make time in the future.

6. Are you more likely to live or work abroad than before your term abroad?a. Actually I have told my work that I am mobile and would love to travel for

work!7. Did it change daily habits like diet or social practices?

a. I would say that I am not picky at all when it comes to food. I will eatanything! Honestly. I feel like Im a trash can and everyone can give me theirleftovers and Ill eat it. When I was in China I NEVER asked what I waseating because if I did I probably wouldnt eat it. And I dont think itchanged me socially, I have always been a very social person.


a. I would say that it was very eye-opening just seeing how other cultures are. Ifeel like we get stuck in our own ways here in the USA and have no idea howother people truly live. It made me REALLY appreciate where I live andcome from. We are very fortunate. And I feel like I have a betterunderstanding of how people live in different parts of the world.

9.

Did it help you learn another language?a. Hell no. I walked out of my language classes crying every day because I hadno idea what my teachers were saying. I pretty much got down the basics.Beer, Cheers, and Food!


a. Thats why I picked China, it was cheap!


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a. Getting out of the United States and experiencing even just a small taste ofeverything that is out there opens your eyes to all the possibilities that world

has to offer. I felt like my perspective in-terms of possibilities for my future

and my life expanded immensely. Seeing France, Italy, and Belgium made mylist of places I wanted to go and experience expand rapidly. Each new place I

went I loved more than the last. In the next five years, I plan to focus a great

amount of time, energy, and financial resources on my career here in the

United States. That being said, I would like to travel to Mexico and Canada at

least two times in the next 5 years and would like to go back to Europe at

least one time in the next 5 years. Spain has been on my bucket list for quite

some time, so if I return to Europe I will probably hit Spain, Portugal, and

Morocco.

6. Are you more likely to live or work abroad than before your term abroad?a. I would love to work abroad. If any kind of opportunity arose I would accept

in a heartbeat. I definitely would have considered these types of

opportunities before going abroad as well but the study abroad experience

made opportunities to live and work abroad seem more accessible. Before

study abroad, I would have never thought many Americans actually were

successful going abroad and building lives but after seeing the large numbers

of foreigners living in European countries, my perspective on the possibility

of doing that definitely changed.

7. Did it change daily habits like diet or social practices?a. I ate a lot more bread and drank a lot more red wine while living in France.

While my diet was minimally affected, my social interactions were muchdifferent than what I experienced here in America. Americans often open

their social groups to anyone and everyone. We are constantly making new

friends and adding to our collection of social acquaintances. In France I

found, many natives valued quality or quantity, making it hard to break into

social groups that had been in existence since the members were children.

People really worked to maintain the same relationships throughout the

course of their lives and would add a friend here or there, but for the most

part invested in lifelong relationships.


a. My experience was very culturally eye-opening. It wasnt an obviouseducation but a slow and quiet gathering of knowledge that occurred as I

lived my life in France. There wasnt any one moment when I was like Oh, I

now understand French culture but more of a gradual understanding of

many differences and changes in my perspective. I do feel like after studying

abroad I am more aware of the existence of different cultures.


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9. Did it help you learn another language?a. While my French language skills improved vastly, they didnt improve as

much as I would have liked. Study abroad programs often place you with

other study abroad students for the sake of comfort and security when

entering into an unfamiliar situation but in my experience it took away from

the language integration component. I talked in English frequently with myfriends and that definitely took away from my ability to fully immerse myself

in the study of French language.


a. Study abroad was expensive compared to going to school in Moscow. Myparents helped me a lot when it came to paying for things. At the end of the

day, the cost was totally worth the experiences I had and the knowledge I

gained. I do wish that there were more financial planning tools presented to

students who are planning to study abroad. Having a plan and some options

would have made the financial component of study abroad less stressful.11.Do you have friends who live in other states or other countries? Besides family

members, are you connected outside your community? Are you more connectedafter studying abroad?

a. I have a lot of friends who I met studying abroad, who live in other statesand countries. I talk to most of them between 1-3 times per month and have

visited one of them twice already. Study abroad definitely helped me build a

global community helping me to feel connected to many who live outside my

everyday community.

12.Do you feel independent and capable of navigating the world totally by yourself, ordoes that seem a little scary?a. Living independently will always present challenges but I feel lucky and

grateful to have studied abroad in preparation for independent living. It gives

you so many tools to adjust to change and unpredictable circumstances. I

wouldnt say that it makes things feel less intimidating or scary but I have

more confidence in myself and the tools I can apply to deal with new

situations.

13.Do you think you would be the person you are today if you had not studied abroad?a. Yes and no. We are all who we are based on a variety circumstances and

experiences. While some things are inherently you other parts of you are

changed and evolve based on the life that you are living, the choices you aremaking, and the experiences you have. I do think that I would be a person

with many similar qualities and characteristics if I had not studied abroad, I

wouldnt be developed in the same way. I feel like studying abroad helped me

grow up and evolve a lot faster than I would have had I just stayed in my

little bubble of security in Moscow, Idaho.



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a. No, studying abroad helped me get out of the day to day monotony thatoften weighs us down and stunts growth and experience. This growth

wouldnt have occurred in the same way had I staying in Moscow.

15.Any extra info that you think is important about your experience?a. I loved studying abroad and would whole heartedly recommend it to anyone

considering embarking on that incredible journey!

Student 5 (female) Ashley Nail:1. Where did you study abroad?

b. I studied abroad in Florianopolis, Brazil.2. Had you been to a foreign country before studying abroad?

a. Before studying abroad I had been to a few countries in Europe and a few inthe Caribbean.


a. I knew that I wanted to study abroad as an incoming freshman but I had noidea when or where.


a. Studying abroad helped me to mature and gain independence. It also mademe financially savvy. Studying abroad can be challenging so it helped melearn how to overcome and deal with obstacles.


a. I plan to travel as much as I can in the future. While abroad, I met so manypeople from all over the world. These friendships ignited a curiosity for meto visit destinations I would have never thought to go.

6. Are you more likely to live or work abroad than before your term abroad?a. I would love to live and work abroad. Studying abroad made me realize that

I could live abroad easily and enjoy it. It made the idea of working abroadrealistic and obtainable.

7. Did it change daily habits like diet or social practices?a. Studying abroad in Brazil really helped me to focus on relationships with

friends and family. My diet changed while I was abroad to eat like the localsdo. I cant say that I missed much of the food from the US


a. Studying abroad is eye-opening! I learned so much about other cultures aswell as about the US. It really helps you to understand the US by seeing itfrom another perspective. Studying abroad also has created even more of aninterest to learn about other cultures.

9. Did it help you learn another language?a. I went to a country where I didnt know the language whatsoever. It was

challenging but it really helped me to push myself to learn important words


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and phrases fast! By immersing yourself in a language it really forces you tolearn it.


a. Parts of studying abroad were very expensive but there are so many optionsfor students to reduce the cost. There are many scholarships available forstudents. I also would recommend researching the program and livingoptions. I saved a lot of money switching from an apartment to a home-stay.

11.Do you have friends who live in other states or other countries? Besides familymembers, are you connected outside your community? Are you more connectedafter studying abroad?

a. Studying abroad with a program provider allowed me to meet a lot ofAmericans from all over the US. It is great having a network of people tovisit in the US as well as from all over the world. The bond of living in a newand exciting country is pretty hard to compete with.


a. I feel a lot less scared about traveling by myself after studying abroad.13.Do you think you would be the person you are today if you had not studied abroad?

a. Studying abroad has really helped me to grow as a person and I wouldrecommend it to anyone who has the opportunity.


a. Leaving the U of I to study abroad was the best decision for me. Iexperienced so many amazing things but I still came back and appreciatedwhat we have at U of I. I think it is refreshing to study abroad and comeback to the U of I.

15.Any extra info that you think is important about your experience?a. Safety is often a major concern for students. I studied abroad in Brazil whichis considered to be a pretty dangerous country. I often felt safer there than I

do here. I think it is important for students to make wise decisions whereverthey are.

Student 6 (female) Jenny Johnson:

1. Where did you study abroad?a. Accra, Ghana

2. Had you been to a foreign country before studying abroad?a.

Yes, Mexico.3. Did you know as an incoming freshman that you wanted to make study abroad partof your college experience?

a. I knew that I wanted to travel at some point in my life (always Africa) andwhen I heard about studying abroad here I decided to go for it.


a. Definitely more independent. I had always been able to do most things onmy own, but being so far from home with strangers and performing tasks I


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never had to worry about became an issue I had to get over fast. I think I ama little bit more aware of the place I live.


a. I definitely want to travel more. I was only able to go to a few countries andnow I want to go to all. The 4 months were almost a tease. I hope to be ableto go back to Africa with a NGO.

6. Are you more likely to live or work abroad than before your term abroad?a. More likely. I had always wanted to go to Africa, but I was worried that I

wouldn't like being so far away without certain things. I learned while abroadthat none of those things matter and that I can do it. This was a good testrun.

7. Did it change daily habits like diet or social practices?a. Definitely. I actually had to explore food for options by giving everything a

try. Food wasn't everywhere or easily perpared there. This has actually mademe like a lot of foods I had thought I would hate. To study abroad alone youhave to let down any barriers of shyness if friends are hoped for. Having only

four months moved relationships along fast.8. Was your experience eye-opening culturally? Do you feel you better understand

cultures outside your own now?a. Watching so many people in a city like Accra was very interesting; the

extreme poverty to the unnecessary wealth. We travelled the whole countryand it allowed us to take in how different the people there live and the waywe do. It gave me an appreciation for what I have here. I think I was able tounderstand Ghana's culture to an extent. Some of their stereotypes ofAmerican women made it a little harder to befriend just any Ghanian.

9. Did it help you learn another language?a. No, sadly I was unable to speak their native language (Twi), but I did manage

to learn a few words. But hearing many different languages around me mademe interested especially traveling to Togo where they speak French. I wascompletely lost.


a. No, it was definitely more than Idaho, but since I save so much by staying instate it wasn't very difficult. Very much worth it.


a. I made a whole bunch of friends all over the US, other countries and ofcourse Ghana. I was fortunate enough to have made friends that I hope tovisit in the future. This was a good way to make connections especially forout of country since this is where I hope to go.


a. I think it would be more boring than scary. I had to travel to Ghana aloneafter missing my flight and although it was scary at the time, I learned somuch and think I could easily do it again.

13.Do you think you would be the person you are today if you had not studied abroad?


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a. I think I am the same person, but a little more directed and knowledge of theworld. I know now how much I love to travel and see the world up close,which will help in my decision for a career. Also I have a betterunderstanding of other countries. Their perception of the US and howdifferent and similar there problems are.


a. Academics were never a concern for studying abroad but definitely not thesame experience. Nothing can compare to living in a different country for 4months.

15.Any extra info that you think is important about your experience?

Student 7 (male) Harry Birak:

1. Where did you study abroad?a. Ingolstadt and Eichstaett, Germany. Two cities, two semesters.

2. Had you been to a foreign country before studying abroad?a. Yes, after High School I studied in Germany in 2010.


a. Absolutely, as well I knew that my major (international studies) required astudy abroad


a. I believe that maturity is something that one is blind to, you need to have askor have other peoples perspective to know whether you are a more mature

person than when you first left. Independence, however, I can say that I haveabsolutely become more independent. Travelling and living alone in a foreigncountry will test you like no other experience to date as a 21-year-old man.

5. Has your experience encouraged you to travel more in the future? How frequently andhow far away do you realistically plan to travel in the next 5 years?

b. I would like to travel multiple times a year. Distance is not a worry for me,however I cannot afford to travel as much and as far as I would like.

6. Are you more likely to live or work abroad than before your term abroad?a. Without a doubt, YES! I love living in Germany, I hope to after my Masters

live here in Germany and work here. Possibly one day call myself a Germancitizen.

7. Did it change daily habits like diet or social practices?a. My diet has not changed that much I still cook all my meals just as I did at

Sigma Chi, however I would say that I have become better at socializing. Aswell I feel more comfortable talking with people I dont know or have metonly once or twice before.



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a. I think you are bound to understand your own culture better when you studyabroad. When you experience culture shock and homesickness, you identifywhat you miss and liked about your culture. After I have gotten over myculture shock (which is minimal when coming to a European country) andmy homesickness, I began to take well to a German lifestyle.

9.

Did it help you learn another language?a. As my German teacher in High school always said The best and mostthorough way to learn German is to live in Germany


a. It is, especially when I first moved to Germany the euro was gaining strengthagainst the USD. The experience gained here is worth any cost in myopinion.


a. I do not have that many friends who are abroad at this time, many will go intheir Senior year or they wont ever go abroad due to lack of interest. I wouldsay I am less connected but that is my fault not because I am studyingabroad.


a. I feel very confident travelling alone; to be honest I prefer it. I am able tofind my way in the cities as well navigating the train systems and airports isvery easy. It was scary at first but then I realized how much fun I can havetravelling alone.

13.Do you think you would be the person you are today if you had not studied abroad?a. Yes I would however lack a sort of worldliness. I have been very fortunate

in my life to travel abroad as much as I have but living abroad has done evenmore wonders for me.


a. Well for one my academic growth would have been stunted since I wouldnthave been able to graduate. I dont think I would be as satisfied with my lifeif I would have stayed in Idaho. My personal growth has sky rocketed, I cannow say I have lived abroad and done well in school abroad. Additionallynow I have friends literally from all corners of the world now, nothing canbeat that.

15.Any extra info that you think is important about your experience?I have gained more patience since being abroad. I mean by patience is that I was veryimpatient with my German, I would get so frustrated when I made a mistake. I feel asthough with how long I have spent learning German that I should understand and speakbetter German. Yet I understand now mistakes are good, they teach you lessons you wontforget because of how embarrassing the mistakes can be at times.

Student 8 (female) Myriah Shaw:1. Where did you study abroad?


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a. I made a lot of friends from different countries studying abroad. One of myvery best friends is from Norway and I text her almost every day. I also have

a lot of friends still in Ecuador that I talk to a lot and I made a lot of friendswith people from around the USA.12.Do you feel independent and capable of navigating the world totally by yourself, or

does that seem a little scary?a. Traveling the world by myself is a scary thought, but it is also exciting and

maybe preferable. Studying abroad has taught me that I am able to be bymyself and make things work. Before studying abroad I would never haveeven considered traveling by myself, but it is an option now.

13.Do you think you would be the person you are today if you had not studied abroad?a. I have a very different person today then the person I was before I studied

abroad. I learned a lot about myself also the experiences I have had changedhow I view my life.


a. I believe that no matter where you are in the world you have an opportunityto change and grow the person you are. However, being abroad is one way toaccelerate that growth because you are in a culture you are uncomfortable infor an extended amount of time.

15.Any extra info that you think is important about your experience?a. My time in Ecuador was a very bittersweet experience. I had amazing days

and terrible days. It was very hard for me to be away from my friends andfamily but I learned a lot about myself. I would recommend studying abroadto anyone that asks me, but I would also warn them that it isnt going to be

as easy as they think it might be.

Student 10 (female) Sharon Strom:

1. Where did you study abroad?a. Granada, Spain

2. Had you been to a foreign country before studying abroad?a. Canada

3. Did you know as an incoming freshman that you wanted to make study abroad partof your college experience?a. No


a. Im more laid back and I dont stress out as much. I wouldnt say theexperience necessarily made me more mature, but I definitely became moreindependent in that I did things to make myself happy rather than worryabout fitting in.


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a. I plan to travel a lot. This summer Ill be going to Bolivia with the EWB-UIgroup to help build some wells and teach hand washing to the people ofChiwirapi. Id like to go back to Europe and Id also like to go to Costa Rica.

6.Are you more likely to live or work abroad than before your term abroad?a. I wouldnt say more likely. It just reinforced my desire to work in different

areas of the world.7. Did it change daily habits like diet or social practices?

a. While I was there, but once I returned I became Americanized once again.8. Was your experience eye-opening culturally? Do you feel you better understand

cultures outside your own now?a. I definitely think I understand the European mindset/Spanish culture a lot

better now.9. Did it help you learn another language?

a. Definitely.10.Was studying abroad a big financial concern for yourself/your parents? (But

ultimately worth it?)a. I dont care what anyone says. Study Abroad is ridiculously expensive. There

are always hidden costs that no one tells you about (including the advisorshere) or things that you run into that you need to pay for. It was worth it, butit was suuuuuuper expensive.

11. Do you have friends who live in other states or other countries? Besides familymembers, are you connected outside your community? Are you more connectedafter studying abroad?

a. I have a friend that lives in Australia. I also am still friends with a lot ofpeople from my study abroad program that are spread throughout the US.

12. Do you feel independent and capable of navigating the world totally by yourself, ordoes that seem a little scary?

a. I would NEVER want to travel alone outside of the US (or even within quitea few parts of it). Thats just inviting trouble. You should always travel withsomeone for safety. Am I more confident in making travel plans-yes, but Idnever go alone.

13. Do you think you would be the person you are today if you had not studied abroad?a. No.

14. Do you think you would have experienced the same personal and academic growthby staying at the University of Idaho instead of going abroad?

a. Probably not.15.Any extra info that you think is important about your experience?

a.

No.

Student 11 (female) Ruth Reeber:

1. Where did you study abroad?a. Graz, Austria. (Technische Universitt Graz & Karl-Franzens Universitt)


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2. Had you been to a foreign country before studying abroad?a. Yes. I was born in Ghana and lived there until I was almost five. I traveled to

Nicaragua for a short trip in 7th grade. I also went on a trip to the UK aftergraduating high school. Oh, and I had been to Canada several times.

3. Did you know as an incoming freshman that you wanted to make study abroad partof your college experience?a. Yes, and I began planning for it then. I worked with my academic advisor to

figure out what term would be the best, and I took a bunch of classes early tomake room.


a. I think it did help me to grow as a person. I was pretty independent goinginto it, but having the experience under my belt has made me a lot moreconfident about other hurdles.


a. I have wanted to live/work/travel abroad since early childhood, so Im notsure whether my study abroad experience encouraged that or just confirmedit. I am hoping to return to Ghana this summer, and as the job Im goinginto has paid vacation days, I hope to use those to travel internationally, aswell.

6. Are you more likely to live or work abroad than before your term abroad?a. As I said before, I dont know if my term abroad really affected that interest,

since it was already very strong. It definitely confirmed to me that I am aninternationally-oriented person.

7. Did it change daily habits like diet or social practices?a. I got to try a lot of new recipes while I was in Austria, and some of those

have carried over.

8. Was your experience eye-opening culturally? Do you feel you better understandcultures outside your own now?a. Um, this is difficult for me to answer. Im a Third Culture Kid. I dont think

my term abroad had a significant impact on my ability to interact with othercultures; I brought 20 years of multicultural experience to the table and Iknew more or less what to expect.

9. Did it help you learn another language?a. Yes! German. Nothing like an immersion experience to teach you fun words

like Halswirbelsulenverletzungen (injuries to the cervical vertebrae, i.e.,whiplashcourtesy of a biomechanics course taken in Austria).

10.Was studying abroad a big financial concern for yourself/your parents? (Butultimately worth it?)a. I chose a program based partly on the cost; ISEP Exchange had a flat fee

that was covered by my scholarship. In addition, I had saved some money upfor the last few years with the goal of not having to worry while abroad. Iwas glad I didI got to do some pretty crazy things on a whim because Ihad some cash reserve, and I didnt regret getting back to the US withpractically nothing in my bank account.


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11.Do you have friends who live in other states or other countries? Besides familymembers, are you connected outside your community? A

idahoans abroad

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