The relationship between selected aspects of personal development and a study abroad experience was investigated. The longitudinal data were collected before studying abroad, after returning from abroad, and 1 year later. The Omnibus Personality Inventory (Form F) was administered to a group of students preparing to study abroad during 1980-1981 (126 students from a small, midwestern Mennonite college), and to a comparison group of 90 students (45 students in an eastern Mennonite college and 45 students in a western Mennonite college). The Debriefing Interview Guide was also administered to encourage and guide discussions between a trained interviewer and students after returning from study abroad. The findings suggest that changes in three dimensions of personality functioning were associated with study abroad: increased interest in reflective thought and in the arts, literature, and culture; increased interest in the welfare of others; and increased self-confidence and sense of well being. An increased tolerance for ambiguity and interest in reflective thought combined with greater sensitivity and emotionality, and an increased interest in the esthetic suggest that study abroad can be an important general education component of the liberal arts curriculum. (SW)