Chapter 9
Short-Term Study Abroad Programs
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Abstract
Study abroad is a unique opportunity for students. Study abroad programs consist of more than just going to another country. It is a pedagogical event with a series of outcomes and learning objectives. Semi-structured qualitative narrative interviews were conducted with four short-term study abroad participants in the Southwest region of the United States after the completion of their short-term study abroad programs. Two short-term study abroad programs were completed, with one in the United Kingdom and Ireland and one in Italy. This study examined what the motivating factors behind why students from the United States complete short-term study abroad programs were and what the outcomes and impact of study abroad programs completed by students from the United States were. The four emergent themes were motivation, engagement, expectations, and value and impact. The primary reason for selecting a short-term study abroad program over a long-term traditional study abroad option was the financial and time commitment required of traditional study abroad programs. With a short-term study abroad option, students are able to complete the program during their university intersession, allowing them to enroll in and complete courses at the university during the traditional semester. Implications and recommendations are provided, ranging from the development of short-term and hybrid study abroad programs to partnering with third-party companies for study abroad programs.