Morehead State University
The Out of Classroom Experience: Two Models for Successful Study Abroad in France
Institution
Morehead State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Karen Taylor
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to compare consortium and single-institution models of study abroad programs, especially as they apply to students attending institutions of higher education in Kentucky. World language educators agree that study abroad is essential for students who wish to develop an appreciation and understanding of the culture, language, and daily life of a country and its people. Most American universities that offer majors in world languages provide some form of study abroad opportunities for their students. Many large universities have strong programs that draw almost exclusively from their own student pool. However, smaller institutions may encounter considerable difficulties in sending their students abroad, and often the financial, planning, and recruiting barriers prove insurmountable. For these smaller institutions, therefore, a consortium model of study abroad, in which several universities collaborate, can be a more effective and financially viable option. This study will focus on the advantages and possibilities of such a consortium model, and will specifically examine the experiences of students and faculty who attended the Kentucky Institute for International Studies’ summer program in Paris, France, 2005.
The Out of Classroom Experience: Two Models for Successful Study Abroad in France
The purpose of this study is to compare consortium and single-institution models of study abroad programs, especially as they apply to students attending institutions of higher education in Kentucky. World language educators agree that study abroad is essential for students who wish to develop an appreciation and understanding of the culture, language, and daily life of a country and its people. Most American universities that offer majors in world languages provide some form of study abroad opportunities for their students. Many large universities have strong programs that draw almost exclusively from their own student pool. However, smaller institutions may encounter considerable difficulties in sending their students abroad, and often the financial, planning, and recruiting barriers prove insurmountable. For these smaller institutions, therefore, a consortium model of study abroad, in which several universities collaborate, can be a more effective and financially viable option. This study will focus on the advantages and possibilities of such a consortium model, and will specifically examine the experiences of students and faculty who attended the Kentucky Institute for International Studies’ summer program in Paris, France, 2005.