12–14 Feb 2026
Sojo University
Asia/Tokyo timezone

Meaningful Experiences through Short-Term Study Abroad: Evaluating Students' Growth

Not scheduled
20m
Sojo University

Sojo University

Presentation (25 minutes) General

Speakers

Abram E. Leon (Osaka International University) Owen J. Crowe Shin-ya Iwasaki (Osaka International University)

Description

This presentation takes a close look at the short-term study abroad field trip at our university and shows how effectively it provides students with meaningful experiences. Our study integrates qualitative insights from student surveys with quantitative data derived from the Beliefs, Events, and Values Inventory (BEVI), which is an analytical tool for measuring learning outcomes.

Our findings illuminate not only the overall efficacy of our university's short-term study trips but also their impact on students' personal growth and significant attitudinal shifts. More specifically, we will demonstrate how our program helps students develop (i) enhanced international and cross-cultural understanding; (ii) increased social openness; (iii) strengthened independence; and (iv) greater personal determination.

This presentation offers valuable insights for educators and program designers aiming to optimize short-term international programs. We share strategies for creating meaningful, impactful short-term study abroad programs that foster genuine student development and global awareness, and show the importance of finding a dedicated partner institution which allows for authentic and meaningful interactions with local students. This research underscores the potential of intentionally crafted international educational experiences as powerful tools for holistic student growth.

Presentation location In person (Kumamoto)

Author

Shin-ya Iwasaki (Osaka International University)

Co-authors

Abram E. Leon (Osaka International University) Owen J. Crowe

Presentation materials

There are no materials yet.