Studying abroad has become a key educational means for preparing graduates with the intercultural competencies needed to succeed in our global economy. The federal government, business community, and higher education sector are united in their belief that study abroad is critical to such success.This monograph seeks to address two fundamental questions:* Who studies abroad (or who does not) and why?* What are the outcomes of study abroad?Increasing and broadening study abroad participation have proven particularly challenging, and the authors look to the research for how it might be improved. Although research suggests positive outcomes of study abroad, existing studies leave educators with some challenging questions. Based on their review, the authors pose recommendations for ways in which study abroad in the twenty-first century can renew its purposes and fulfill its promise.

Executive Summary viiForeword xiIntroduction 1Monograph Purpose 4Conceptual Framework 5Sources 7Audience 8Author Experiences with Study Abroad 8Definitions: Study Abroad--What It Is and What It Is Not9Globalization, Internationalization, and Study Abroad 11History and Purposes of Study Abroad 13Beginnings 15Post-World War II 17Study Abroad Post-Vietnam 19Organizational Advocacy for Study Abroad in a Post-9/11 World20Societal and Institutional Purposes of Study Abroad in theTwenty-First Century 23Summary 25Types of Programs and Providers 27Descriptive, Single-Component Schemes 28Multiple-Criterion Classification Schemes 30Who Provides Study Abroad 33Summary 35Who Studies Abroad and Who Does Not 37Who Studies Abroad 40Factors Affecting Intent to Study Abroad and Participation Rates44Factors Affecting Men's and Women's Participation48Factors Affecting Study Abroad Participation for Racial andEthnic Minorities 52Effects of Degree Aspirations and Field of Study onStudy Abroad Participation 59Community College Students 63Summary 64Study Abroad Outcomes 67Intercultural Competence and Global Perspectives 68Other Educational and Developmental Outcomes 77General Academic Outcomes 80Effects of Program Duration 87Career and Other Long-Term Effects 88Methodological Weaknesses of Study Abroad Outcomes Literature90Summary 93Study Abroad: Critical Perspectives 95Critiques of the Unstated Purposes of Study Abroad 96Critical Studies of the Study Abroad Experience 100Summary 103Conclusions, Final Thoughts, and Recommendations 105Who Participates, Who Does Not, Why, and What to Do About It?106Outcomes: The Good, the Bad, and the Indifferent 108Meeting the Challenge 109Final Thoughts 117Notes 119References 121Name Index 139Subject Index 144About the Authors 151