Toward a Definition of Study Abroad Success

This paper presents a rationale and method for collecting critical incidents from university students who have returned from studying abroad. There are three main benefits to this process. First, it appears beneficial for students to record and reflect on their experiences abroad. Second, a collection of critical incidents, through analysis, can yield patterns of student experiences that can, in turn, inform decision making about the study-abroad program at a given institution. Third, critical incidents can be incorporated into training session for students preparing to study abroad. This paper includes a sampling of critical incidents and subjective reflections from students attending a women’s university in Japan