Enhancing the study abroad experience: A longitudinal analysis of hospitality-oriented, study abroad program evaluations

• Eleven short-term study abroad program evaluations from 185 students were examined.
• Program evaluations included quantitative and qualitative responses.
• Content analysis revealed themes centered around logistics, culture, and pleasure.
• ANOVA results indicated greater satisfaction with active learning experiences.
• ANOVA results indicated preference for experiences led by authentic, local experts.

Research suggests numerous benefits associated with studying abroad. Given the increasingly global nature of the world, it would seem that there is a significant need for international exposure; however, only 1.4% of U.S. students have studied abroad. This study examined program evaluations from 11 short-term undergraduate study abroad programs encompassing a span of 9 years. A total of 185 participants completed the survey using evaluations designed for program improvement, which were collected at the conclusion of each experience. Data were examined using a mixed-methods approach with the goal of identifying programmatic characteristics that contributed to increased student satisfaction. Results indicated that students' preferences were prioritized in terms of logistics, culture, and pleasure. In addition, the engagement and source of experience significantly influenced students' satisfaction with their study abroad experience, implying that students prefer programs with active components and local guides. Findings were examined in light of Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory.