Individual perspectives on how employability can be influenced by study abroad experiences as an undergraduate student at the Pennsylvania State University
Open Access
Author:
Weaver, Jamie
Graduate Program:
Workforce Education and Development
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
February 20, 2020
Committee Members:
Mark D Threeton, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor Mark D Threeton, Committee Chair/Co-Chair Wesley Edward Donahue, Committee Member Hyung Joon Yoon, Committee Member John Ewing, Outside Member Susan Mary Land, Program Head/Chair
Keywords:
Workforce Education Experiential Learning Study Abroad Employability
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore how skills gained through study abroad at the Pennsylvania State University influence individuals’ employability as they enter the workforce. Potential participants were invited to complete a qualification survey that gathered initial demographic and study abroad information. From the responses, eligible participants were selected and invited to a one-hour recorded interview session. During the interviews, the participants described specific situations that they encountered and how they navigated living and studying in another culture. The participants also provided insight into their current job placement, the hiring process, and how study abroad was discussed. The findings of this study provided insight into the employability of study abroad students and the application of Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory with the programs. Findings include a comprehensive list of skills gained as described by the participants and the lack of reflections being incorporated into study abroad programs. Practitioners can gain a clear understanding of the effects of study abroad on their students and how to better integrate Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory into programs provided.
