Access to Study Abroad forStudents at Rural Community Colleges

Abstract

While there has been limited research documenting the study abroad experiences of community college students, very few studies have focused on how rural two-year colleges use study abroad to increase student knowledge of international affairs, boost access to valuable cross-cultural experiences, and promote cultural awareness, professional growth, and academic success. For this study, the researchers utilized a qualitative survey, interviews leaders of community college short-term study abroad programs, and document analysis with the goal of identifying practices to develop sustainable short-term study abroad programs at rural community colleges. The findings indicated that rural community college leaders should enhance faculty motivation and acknowledge and encourage the efforts of study abroad leaders.