This presentation will address:
(1) the structure, research design, and methodology of the University System of Georgia's eight-year GLOSSARI project;
(2) the findings of the project, including the impact of study abroad on student learning outcomes and academic performance;
(3) the effect of pre-cursor variables (such as gender, race, SAT, and high school GPA) on these outcomes;
(4) the effect of program design variables on these outcomes;
(5) the demonstration of results through quantitative analysis of 35,000 study abroad students and a comparable control group of
non-study abroad students. 

The key anticipated outcomes of the session are:
(1) converse knowledgeably about research findings documenting the impact of study abroad on undergraduate learning outcomes and academic performance indicators;
(2) understand key variables that influence positive results from study abroad;
(3) advocate effectively for study abroad programs at KSU based on empirical data.

Attendees will be able to apply the knowledge gained from this session to
(1) advocate greater attention within their departments and colleges to study abroad programs, as the evidence provided shows that study abroad has a direct impact on core values of undergraduate education, including critical thinking and navigational skills, improved academic performance, and higher graduation rates;
(2) improve the design and operation of their own study abroad programs by incorporating discrete findings from the GLOSSARI project; (3) assess the impact of study abroad on their own students through replication.

Contact information

Richard C. Sutton, Ph.D.
Visiting Senior Research Fellow
Siegel Institute for Leadership and Ethics
Kennesaw State University
1000 Chastain Road, MD 5500
Kennesaw, GA  30144
Tel: 678/797-2875
Fax: 678/797-2205
E-mail:  rsutton8@kennesaw.edu