Date of Award

2016

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Education

Abstract

There is very little research exploring the factors that affect minority, more specifically African American, students’ intent to study abroad. Furthermore, most research concerning study abroad participation focuses on higher education institutions. There is a gap in current literature on high school students of color participating in global education. This study seeks to provide an explanation and understanding of how early exposure to international education travel may impact African American students’ intent to study abroad in college or select a major with an international aspect. Through a qualitative case study this study focuses on 11 Southside College Prep High School (a pseudonym used to protect the identity of the school and students) seniors in Chicago, IL who attended a week-long school Service Learning Trip to Ecuador over Spring Break (March 29- April 6, 2014). Each student completed a background survey, 5-point assessment survey, and semi-structured interview upon returning from the trip. The gathered data was analyzed in order to answer my primary research question: Does exposure to educational international travel prior to college influence African American students’ intent to study abroad in college?

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

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