Studying Abroad in College: A Longitudinal Study Investigating How a Living-Learning Community (LLC) Impacts Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 2:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Contemporary Discussions in Learning Environments Research 1 (Table 3)

Abstract

The purpose of this longitudinal, mixed-method study was to identify which elements of a living-learning community based in one of Pacific University’s (pseudonym) signature study abroad programs influenced students’ intellectual, personal, social, and spiritual growth. After three years of data collection, 411 undergraduates completed a survey composed of 32 questions that addressed: 1) Consent, 2) Demographics, 3) Input, 4) Environment, 5) Learning Outcomes. Results found that personal travel, the educational field trip, and the program staff were consistently reported as the most influential program elements that contributed positively to student development. Conclusively, 95-97% of participants reported intellectual, personal, and social growth, while 70% reported spiritual growth. This living-learning community helped reshape students’ preconceptions and developed more globally-minded citizens.

Authors

• Stella Erbes, Pepperdine University

• Helena Mekuanint, Pepperdine University