The Long-Term Impact of Study Abroad on Global Engagement
Gerald W. Fry
University of Minnesota
4:00 pm, Wednesday, September 30
254 Van Hise Hall
The University of Minnesota was awarded a four-year U.S. Department of
Education Title VI International Research and Studies (IR/S) grant in May
2006 (2006-2009). The title of the study is Beyond Immediate Impact: Study
Abroad for Global Engagement (SAGE).
The purpose of this DOE-funded research project is to conduct a
retrospective tracer study developed by the co-principal investigators
Gerald W. Fry and R. Michael Paige of over 6,000 former study abroad
participants from 22 U.S. colleges, universities, and education abroad
providers nationwide. The sample of study abroad alumni goes back 50 years
in time. A major finding is that study abroad was the most impactful aspect
of their undergraduate experience. The research design for the study emphasizes mixed methods, including in-depth interviews and multiple case studies of individuals.
The emphasis of this study is on the ways in which these individuals have
become globally engaged during their lives since their studying abroad and
the degree to which their contributions can be attributed to their having
studied abroad. Global engagement, as conceptualized by SAGE, is civic
commitments in domestic and international arenas; knowledge production of
print, art, online, and digital media; philanthropy in terms of volunteer
time and monetary donations; social entrepreneurship, that is, creating
organizations that contribute to the common good, and the practice of
voluntary simplicity in one's lifestyle. Valid measures of these key global
engagement dimensions have been empirically confirmed.
This lecture is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Language Institute and International Academic Programs.
Contact: Dianna Murphy, (608) 262-1575
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