Benefits of International Study According to StudyAbroadResearch.org

            A small website titled Study Abroad Research has actually made some of the best findings related to cultural and language after abroad study.  The main page of the website consists of the organization’s purpose and establishment as the group of twenty-five researchers across the United States are working towards common goals.  These goals are stated as, “1) to facilitate research on the learning of language and culture during periods of study abroad--mainly by American college students; 2) to provide information to the public concerning research on learning that occurs during study abroad by these same students.”  A fact which truly stuck out to me was that less language proficient students demonstrated the biggest gains while abroad.  On the other hand, some of the most interesting facts were derived from international students who studied in Japan. The group’s findings stated that ideas in Japan were exchanged through storytelling, such as folk stories, and self-assessments related to language were more valid after the experience.  Other additional facts stated on the website proved that host families and group affiliations can have an influence on reading a foreign language, along with the interesting detail that international students are more critical of their classroom instruction while abroad.  The Study Abroad Research group has many more interesting details related to international study on their website which could get overlooked by students if they don’t look it up.  International study abroad students will only benefit from reviewing this groups research as it is better to be proactive for abroad study and reactive.