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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to identify at least 2 barriers reported by students in deciding whether or not to study abroad.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to identify at least 2 possible solutions to remove barriers for studying abroad.
Methods: Exploratory descriptive. All graduate and undergraduate students at a small, liberal arts university in the Southeastern United States were emailed a link to an electronic survey. Students were invited to participate, regardless if they had previously studied abroad (participants) or not (non-participants).
Results: The sample included 143 respondents who were largely single, young, Caucasian females – incidentally also the primary group of students who choose to study abroad. Students of all disciplines expressed an interest in studying abroad and expressed a desire that the study abroad program be tailored to their declared major. Similarly for participants and non-participants, respondents reported barriers to studying abroad including: money; school, family, and work commitments; safety and procedural concerns; inexperience with ever having traveled outside of their own country. Despite reported barriers, almost 72% are either very likely or somewhat likely that they will study abroad prior to graduation. Motivators included: wanting to learn about people of other cultures; experience for my resume; learn a foreign language; and like to travel.
Conclusion: Possible strategies to eliminate or reduce the impact of these barriers include: faculty can devise new Study Abroad programs tailored to the discipline that fit in with program of study so students are not delayed in graduation (short-term programs) and are cost-effective; faculty can offer courses abroad that fulfill requirements needed for the major or service-learning requirement on a consistent basis; guest speakers (students/faculty) to share their experience abroad; lobby for study abroad scholarships and grants. Other recommendations in making study abroad more accessible as expressed by respondents include: orientation to expectations; ways to keep connected while abroad; funding.
See more of: World Academy of Nursing Science: Oral Paper & Posters