ASSESSING SHORT-TERM STUDY ABROAD: A Catalyst for Responsibility, Choices, and Engagement

Study abroad is an experiential learning pedagogy that provides opportunity for the development of global competencies and agency and helps to expand notions of what it means to be a global citizen. Using quantitative method design, this study surveyed three class cohorts of students to explore the evi dence of students’ experiential learning in the context of short-term study abroad experiences in Tanzania. The first objective was to pilot a methodol ogy for assessing student experiences on short-term study abroad. The meth odology explored both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The second objective was to assess whether a short-term study abroad experience could catalyze students’ personal and social responsibility on academic and pro fessional choices, community engagement, and plans for the future. These f indings underscore the need to provide students with study abroad opportu nities, not only to connect with individuals on a personal level, but also to see their commonalities or common humanity, as well as creating awareness of personal and social responsibility and the belief that participants themselves as global citizens can effect change and make a positive difference.