Americans Abroad in Spain and Australia : A Comparative Study of University Students' Study Abroad Outcomes

Sammanfattning: The study abroad field has progressed into an innovative and exciting stage given the high- rise of interest throughout the last twenty years. Study abroad is not showing signs of losing momentum concerning student interest or academic research. Numerous variables affect the direction the field is heading. This study intends to illuminate some of those variables through classifying study abroad results. This research study is part of the 21st century phenomena regarding increased travel through study abroad programs. It investigates the results of U.S. students’ study abroad experiences in Spain and Australia, through identifying aspects of the knowledge outcomes, changes in perspective, and the social, professional, and personal implications on a U.S. student after returning home from such an endeavor. It is critical to recognize and comprehend student results from the study abroad perspective to provide higher education institutions, study abroad companies, educators, students, and researchers with a contextual, first-hand encounter through the eyes of the student. This student analysis provides a greater framework for various stakeholders to continue the promotion of studying abroad, while enriching study abroad programs, and to continue the provision of breadth of opportunity for upcoming students interested.