From doing some basic research, there does not seem to be too many studies on this topic. If more narrowing is necessary, the influence these factors play on Pennsylvania college students could be investigated.

2. What are the preconceived ideas of studying abroad students/their families have?

3. Does the type of higher education institution affect studying abroad?

-Ethnography/Participant Observation

-I plan to observe the International Programs Office of 1 or 2 colleges and universities. Instead of starting with anticipated results, I will observe daily life in the office, as well as talk to prospective and former study abroad students at pre-departure meetings.

-Ideally, I would like to do two case studies: one of a small, private liberal arts school and one at a large, public institution in order to compare results. While there is a risk of over-generalization from only having two schools, I think comparing the two case studies would still show factors that affect many students from similar backgrounds.

-While primarily qualitative, I plan to have a short survey and use previous academic research to give a small quantitative perspective, as well.

-General observation of who uses office resources, what questions are asked, etc.

-Survey of prospective/former students and international programs staff

-Including questions about cultural background and decision to study abroad

Blumenthal, P. & Gutierrez, R. (2009). Meeting America's Global Education Challenge: Expanding Study Abroad Capacity at U.S. Colleges & Universities. Issue No. 9, May 2009. Retrieved from Expanding Study Abroad Capacity at U.S. Colleges and Universities.

Kowarski, I. (2010). Colleges Help Students to Translate the Benefits of Study Abroad. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 56(41). Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA232821613&v=2.1&u=drexel_main&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=8877a8731cdf2b583cc46ff0b93f25b2

McClure, A. (2009, April). Study abroad has global benefit. University Business, 12(4), 11. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA198210361&v=2.1&u=drexel_main&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=88ffe9ec14c6a752cd57c05ba7c65251

Obst, D., Bhandari, R., & Witherell, S. (2007). Meeting America's Global Education Challenge: Current Trends in U.S. Study Abroad & The Impact of Strategic Diversity Initiatives. Institute of International Education, Issue 1 May, 2007. Retrieved from Current Trends in U.S. Study Abroad & the Impact of Strategic Diversity Initiatives.

Salisbury, M.H., Umbach, P.D., Paulsen, M.B., & Pascarella, E.T. (2008). Going global: Understanding the choice process of the intent to study abroad. Research in Higher Education, 50 (2). Retrieved from: http://www.jstor.org/stable/29782911.

Stroud, A. (2010). Who Plans (Not) to Study Abroad? An Examination of U.S. Student Intent. Journal of Studies in International Education, Vol. 14, No. 5, Nov. 2010. Retrieved from http://jsi.sagepub.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/content/14/5/491.full.pdf+html