TY - JOUR AU - Coker , Jeffrey Scott AU - Heiser , Evan AU - Taylor , Laura PY - 2018/04/26 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Student Outcomes Associated with Short-term and Semester Study Abroad Programs JF - Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad JA - Frontiers VL - 30 IS - 2 SE - Research Articles DO - 10.36366/frontiers.v30i2.414 UR - https://frontiersjournal.org/index.php/Frontiers/article/view/414 SP - 92-105 AB - <p>This five-year study of graduating seniors at Elon University (n=1,858) compared student outcomes measured by the National Survey of Student Engagement across five study abroad groups:&nbsp; no study abroad, semester, short-term (3-week), two short-terms, and semester plus short-term.&nbsp; Both short-term and semester programs were positively associated with how students rate their overall educational experience and whether they would attend the same institution again.&nbsp;However, students who participated in semester programs reported better outcomes in numerous categories:&nbsp;contributing to class discussion, including diverse perspectives in discussions and assignments, synthesis of ideas, less rote memorization of course material, empathy,acquiring a broad general education,critical thinking,and working effectively with others.&nbsp; There was less compelling evidence of better outcomes from a second short-term program or one taken in addition to a semester program.&nbsp; Overall, short-term programs clearly have value, but semester programs are associated with significantly better outcomes overall.</p> ER -