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Abstract
This study explored the possibility of modeling the effects of a study abroad program on students from a university in the northeastern United States. A program effect model was proposed after conducting an extensive literature review and empirically examining a sample of 265 participants in 2005. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) were then used to test the model. Three factors were identified in EFA and CFA: foreign interaction, personal growth, and career development. Personal growth effects were found to partially mediate the relationship between foreign interactions and career plans. For study abroad program participants, the experience of being independent increases personal growth and influences future career plans. Foreign experience or interactions also directly affect future career direction. These findings suggest that study abroad program effects are significantly interrelated. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Parent Publication
Citation
Yu, Alvin H.; Chick, Garry E.; Morais, Duarte B.; Lin, Chung-Hsien. 2009. Modeling the effects of study abroad programs on college students. In: Klenosky, David B.; Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc, eds. Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2008 March 30 - April 1; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-42. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 232-249.
