The impact of study abroad participants\u27 personal and professional development

This research attempted to study the long-term impact of study abroad on participants\u27 personal growth, outlook on life and world, behavioral changes concerning career and further education choice, and motivation to learn and maintain interest in international matters. Although limited in its scope, the study presented evidence reflecting specific benefits of study abroad in the areas of cognitive, motivational, educational and professional development. It also identified areas of personal growth that participants related to their experience abroad, particular ways they maintained their interest in intercultural matters, and areas and levels of professional international involvement. Further ongoing quantitative and qualitative research could strengthen the empirical results obtained in this study, and assess the range of those changes over time