Study abroad is associated with transformative experiences--that is, events that lead to a change in how a person sees the world. In this study the authors sought to ascertain whether there are common themes of transformative experiences and whether these transformations are related to particular types of study abroad programs. Principles guiding the authors' research and interview coding scheme are informed by study abroad and transformative education literature. Study abroad can be categorized in three types: instructor-led topic/subject focused, engagement activity instructor-led, and immersion through university semester enrollment. The project engaged debates about whether a short-term faculty-led study abroad is as transformative as a full immersion semester at a foreign institution, and whether an international community engagement study abroad experience fosters transformations different from or similar to the other two types.