The Effects of Studying Abroad and Studying Sustainability on Students’ Global Perspectives

Abstract

Study abroad has shifted from a marginal opportunity to a core strategy of U.S. colleges and universities, considered integral in the mission to globalize the academic environment. Our study explores the effect of studying abroad and studying about sustainability on students’ global perspectives. A total of 291 university students participated in a pretest/posttest design. Results suggest that study abroad can promote cognitive, intrapersonal, and social developmental global perspectives among college students beyond that achieved via on-campus courses. Sustainability course content did not affect global perspectives, however. Findings warrant the conclusion that even short-term study abroad experiences can meet the globalisation goals of institutions of higher education.