Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 3.05 Higher Education in Appalachia
Presentation #1 Title
Appalachian Barriers to Study Abroad Experiences
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
This study will discuss the perceived barriers that Appalachian students face when making the decision to study abroad. The first portion of this research will clearly define these perceived barriers which are common among prospective study abroad students. These barriers, as highlighted in distributed surveys, include but are not limited to religion, familial ties, finances, and awareness of opportunity. Data will be gathered on the student decision making process, from expression of interest to their final decisions. In addition to survey data, professors and students who have been engaged in such programs in the past will be interviewed. Based on the gathered data and experiences provided by former participants, suggestions to increase the number of students and increase study abroad accessibility will be made. Educating students, their parents, and the community at large on the benefits and opportunities provided by study abroad experiences will be presented as a key factor which encourages international experience, cultural awareness, and global citizenship.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Sara Adkins recently received her MA in Psychology from the University of West Georgia. She plans to pursue her PhD in the near future, and her research interests include Jungian studies, transgenerational transmission of trauma, and higher education.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Sumer Bingham recently received her MA in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. She is currently an adjunct professor of Religious Studies at the University of Pikeville and has future plans to pursue a PhD in Comparative Religion.
Appalachian Barriers to Study Abroad Experiences
Drinko Library 349
This study will discuss the perceived barriers that Appalachian students face when making the decision to study abroad. The first portion of this research will clearly define these perceived barriers which are common among prospective study abroad students. These barriers, as highlighted in distributed surveys, include but are not limited to religion, familial ties, finances, and awareness of opportunity. Data will be gathered on the student decision making process, from expression of interest to their final decisions. In addition to survey data, professors and students who have been engaged in such programs in the past will be interviewed. Based on the gathered data and experiences provided by former participants, suggestions to increase the number of students and increase study abroad accessibility will be made. Educating students, their parents, and the community at large on the benefits and opportunities provided by study abroad experiences will be presented as a key factor which encourages international experience, cultural awareness, and global citizenship.
