Abstract:

When one looks at a learning community, what is observed is learning that takes place inside and outside the classroom developing in students’ character and an intellect whereby they are committed to continuous improvement, collective responsibility, and an alignment of goals. Studies show that students in an academic learning community maintain higher grades, develop critical thinking skills, have more confidence in their own abilities, become friends with a diverse group of people, become more intellectually mature and responsible, and develop team building and communications skills.

Students who partake in a study abroad program experience many personal benefits developing ways to grow professionally and personally. There are many personal benefits derived from studying abroad, such as, stimulation of educational experiences, learning about new cultures, people, and places, broadening one’s experiences gaining a greater view of the world while learning how your own country fits into humanity as well as learning about other cultures and traditions giving students’ insight into their own cultures and traditions. When looking at professional growth from studying abroad it is evident that a student will gain a greater edge when interviewing for possible career positions, the study abroad experience could possible lead to a varied career path, and students offer experience in cross-cultural and interpersonal communications which is definitely an asset.

This paper will examine the results of students who were registered in freshmen core class learning community which included a nine-day study abroad component at the close of the spring, 2014 semester.

Keywords:

Study Abroad, Learning Communities.