Abstract

Study abroad is a valuable part of a student’s college experience with numerous benefits that last beyond college years. With the large variety of study abroad options available, students face important decisions: where do I go and with which program? Certain study abroad programs will help different students achieve personal and academic goals better than others. While there is no perfect program for all students and no way to clearly define a ‘successful’ program, there are ways to examine different factors of study abroad and how they impact college students. There are clear benefits and deterrents that students experience, factors that influence students’ decisions to choose or not to choose certain programs, and trends that can be observed throughout the education abroad industry. Reverse culture shock is an often-forgotten post-study abroad phenomenon that students are often unaware of but can combat in a variety of ways. Looking at a specific university, Eastern Kentucky University has a steadily growing study abroad climate present on its campus. Study abroad promotes international and cultural knowledge and can potentially be the most impactful decision a student makes during the college experience. This resource will equip students with the ability to choose the education abroad experience that is the most beneficial for them during their college career.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-8-2017

Mentor

Abbey Poffenberger

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Languages, Cultures, and Humanities

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Language and Cultural Studies, Anthropology, and Sociology

Department Name when Degree Awarded

Languages, Cultures, and Humanities

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