First Name:
Jonathan
Last Name:
Carpenter
Major Department:
Economics and Business Management
Thesis Director:
Martin Meznar
Date of Thesis:
May 2013
Universities are becoming increasingly aware of the need to create more globally minded students as the world becomes increasingly intertwined. The impacts that study abroad programs have on creating these types of students is becoming recognized as a driver to global competencies. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence measuring the determinants that shape these study abroad experiences as well as the outcomes that result. The purpose of this study was to determine some of the study abroad outcomes that lead to higher education’s goals of creating globally minded students. In addition, the study examined the individual determinants of study abroad experiences that result in these study abroad outcomes. A model was developed to measure when in the student’s educational career the students should study abroad, where the students benefit most in terms of destination, and what content makes up the most effective study abroad experience (WWW). The model measured the impact that these determinants had on the study abroad outcomes of global mindedness, intercultural empathy, and empowerment (GIE). A questionnaire was developed based on this model and distributed to students in the College of Business at Appalachian State University. Results of the study indicate that students who study abroad earlier in their educational career show greater impacts on their global mindedness and empowerment to make a difference. There is also significant evidence to support the effectiveness of programs that send students to poorer nations than the US, as they tend to have a greater impact on global mindedness and empowerment. The study also found that during long-term programs, students who were intentional about keeping a journal/blog showed greater impacts on both global mindedness and empowerment. Finally, the study indicates that students who participate in service learning activities have a greater impact on their global mindedness and empowerment. The findings of this study hold important implications for higher education institutions as they further the enhancement of study abroad programs.