A qualitative study of the effects of studying abroad on undergraduate students

This research paper focuses on the effects of studying abroad as an undergraduate student. It is a qualitative study involving three undergraduate students who studied abroad while attending Ball State University. All three students studied in different areas of the world and for different lengths of time. The literature focuses mainly on the advantages of studying abroad. This includes the increase of personal awareness as well as political awareness. There is also considerable discussion about cultural awareness and its effects on tolerance and understanding, as well as professional focus. The researcher used interviews as the main research design. The researcher's findings coincided with the literature. The conclusion includes a discussion of how prepared the students were for their experience abroad and how those students incorporated their experiences after returning to the United States. There is also a section on recommendations for Ball State for the future.Department of Educational LeadershipThesis (M.A.