Unpacking Study Abroad: Examining Its Impact on Student Success Metrics

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division J - Section 2c: Assessing College Student Success and Impact Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

The study investigates characteristics of study abroad (SA) students, the equity gap in SA participation, and the effects of SA on student success, while accounting for academic profiles. Utilizing institutional data from first-time full-time (FTFT) degree-seeking cohorts enrolled between fall 2010 and fall 2017, the findings indicate that only 2.6% of these students participated in SA programs within six years, with notable equity gaps in participation. SA students exhibited higher retention and graduation rates compared to non-SA students and FTFT cohorts. Employing k-Nearest Neighbor algorithms, the analysis reveals that SA participation increased the likelihood of graduating within six years by 14.2%. Implications for evaluating SA programs and disseminating results to inform decision-making for enhancing student success are discussed.

Authors

• Christina Drum, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Qingmin Shi, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• John Crooker, University of Nevada - Las Vegas