ERIC Number: EJ1198239
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1467-5986
EISSN: N/A
The Impact of Study Abroad on Improved Cultural Awareness: A Quantitative Review
Haas, Brian W.
Intercultural Education, v29 n5-6 p571-588 2018
Studying abroad (SA) represents a valuable experience for many students within higher education settings. Recently, the number of students choosing to SA within higher education has risen. Quantitative and qualitative research indicates that SA improves learning as related to ancillary types of learning outcomes, such as with cultural awareness (CA). CA is knowledge gained about similarities and differences among and between cultural groups. The goal of the present quantitative review was to compile and evaluate, in a comprehensive manner, published findings, addressing the impact of SA in higher education on CA. To accomplish this goal, articles reporting empirical results were collected, and effect sizes for statistical comparisons were calculated. Across 28 independent studies, SA was found to be associated with marked increases in CA (mean effect size, d = 0.569). A critical evaluation of empirical studies on SA and CA shows many important flaws and limitations. Many studies are based on self-report data derived from relatively small samples of US students studying abroad for 1 year or less. This quantitative review provides support for the hypothesis that SA may improve CA, but also demonstrates the need for further rigorous research to be conducted in this area.
Descriptors: Cultural Awareness, Study Abroad, Outcomes of Education, Higher Education, Educational Experience, College Students, Cultural Differences, International Education
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A