Building and Assessing the Effectiveness of a Short-Term Study Abroad Program for Accounting Students

• In Event: Reception with Effective Learning Strategies Displays
  In Poster Session: Poster 3

Abstract

Short-term faculty-directed study abroad programs are an effective vehicle for giving students not only content knowledge in topical areas but also a taste of another culture while developing their intercultural sensitivity. In this session, the authors discuss the design and outcomes of a program delivered in Oxford, England and Rome, Italy, for accounting, and other business students. They present results of the program’s effectiveness in achieving the goal of increasing students’ intercultural sensitivity which was measured by use of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) administered prior to departure and again at the program’s conclusion. The data shows positive change for the students in their intercultural sensitivity scores (and compares to other national studies such as the Georgetown consortium study). The presentation emphasizes how study abroad is an integral tool to support the AACSB standards and its core values – core value (C) which addresses and demonstrates a commitment to address, engage, and respond to current and emerging social responsibility issues such as globalization of economic activity across cultures. Study abroad programs foster sensitivity to cultural differences and enhance global perspectives thereby exposing students to cultural practices different than their own and prepare them for careers in a global context.

Authors

• Ralph E Welton, Clemson University

• Judson R. Jahn, School of Accountancy / Clemson University

• Uttiyo Raychaudhuri, Global Engagement / Clemson University