Studying Abroad to Inform Teaching in a Diverse Society: A Description of International Elementary Education Teaching Experiences at Ball State University

Personal Development

Students who participate in study abroad programs show definite signs of personal development, including being more independent, outgoing, friendly towards those of other countries, more self-assured, and more uninhibited towards traveling abroad than they were before they left (Hadis, 2005). Study abroad experiences have also been shown to increase participants’ independence, cultural awareness, ability to speak foreign languages, and desirability to future employers (Sutton & Rubin, 2004). In addition, those who travel to study abroad indicate increased emotional resilience, flexibility and openness, perceptual acuity, and personal autonomy (Kitsantas, 2004). Similar research has explored how study abroad experiences affect students’ personal and professional values (Lindsey, 2005). Results indicate that study abroad experiences enhance students’ self-awareness and lead students to challenge their own values and biases, while developing sensitivity. Furthermore, participants became more open-minded when considering personal and cultural values, and heightened their levels of self-awareness through reflection. Participants demonstrated an appreciation of difference, grew in culturally sensitivity, and demonstrated a stronger sense of social justice, primarily with racial and ethnic discrimination. These results suggest a growing willingness to learn from other cultures while critically examining one’s own culture.