Study Abroad Effect on Retention and Student Success

Abstract

This chapter discusses the positive correlations between study abroad and student success broadly, as well as the ways in which study abroad programs operate from a student success model. Both may help influence home-campus practitioners in working with all students. First, this chapter will first focus on the history of study abroad within higher education to contextualize it specifically relating to retention and student success. Second, the chapter will focus on the positive, and not often discussed, positive relationship between student retention and graduation rates correlated to study abroad. Third will be a section devoted to exploring the research findings of the high-impact nature of study abroad linked to learning outcomes, as data shows deep student learning, including self-reflection, which could be indicators of student success. Finally, the chapter will draw correlations between these topics and international on-site models of student success to support this transformational and challenging experience for students.