Short-Term Study Abroad: An Exploratory View of Business Student Outcomes

Abstract

Acknowledging the importance of fostering global perspectives in students, business educators stress the role that international study plays in increasing interpersonal skills, and broadening knowledge of global business practices. Traditionally offered as semester- or year-long programs, today's programs are more often short-term in nature, raising questions about student outcomes of abbreviated tours. This longitudinal study of students who participated over a nine-year period examines the benefits and limitations of short-term tours. Results suggest that schools of business give careful consideration to desired student outcomes, learning objectives and how these might best be accomplished if delivered in a compressed time frame.