A First Year Model for
Study Abroad
Nat Measley, FYE Graduate
Assistant
Martha Carothers, Associate
Director Office of Undergraduate
Studies
University of Delaware Center for International
Studies statistics provided by Lisa Chieffo Ed.D.
LIFE Program statistical assistance provided by
University of Delaware Office of Educational
Assessment.
Not Studying
Abroad Yet?
Fear of flying.
Kangaroo phobia.
Severe sun burn.
No prescription for
homesickness.
Snakes on planes.
Study Abroad At UD
The Past
1923: 1 trip to Paris
8 students
The Today
2006: 70 programs in more than 35 countries
1,500 total students
70 first year students
42 first year students in two FYE programs
Sydney, Australia and Merida, Mexico
LIFE Abroad
Seven Components of Success
First Year Students Only
Faculty Mentor
Small Group / Cluster Size
Pre-Travel Orientation
Common Courses
Scholarship Support
Peer Mentor
LIFE: Living Integrated Freshmen Experience
Component #1
First Year Students Only!
Similar life position / experiences
All first time studying abroad
Same academic standing
Similar impact on second study abroad hope
“. . opportunity to do this as a freshman, expanding
of horizons by being exposed to a culture that is
similar yet so different.”
Component #2
Small Group Size
Increased interaction within the cluster
Elimination of the “lost feeling”
Low Faculty Mentor to student ratio
Low Peer Mentor to student ratio
Service learning opportunities
Ease of organizing excursions
Component #3
Common Course Load
Formation of study groups
“Same Boat” phenomenon
Underlying themed course work
Similar core curriculum requirements
Component #4
Peer Mentor
Outlet for student concern (socially/academically)
Resource / facilitator for student activity
Facilitator of UNIV-102 course abroad
Coordinator of LIFE Project
On-location orientation manager
“. . .very helpful with getting adjusted to the city.”
“. . .great at organizing activities for us to do.”
Component #5
Faculty Mentor
Professor of ART 129 course
Resource for student-to-university affairs
Mediator for student-to-student affairs
Facilitator for critical thinking and cultural
awareness
“. . .very interested in us.”
“. . .encouraged independence and chance to explore.”
“. . .very accessible.”
“. . .willing to deal with problems right away.”
Component #6
Pre-Travel Orientation Classes
Boost general travel knowledge and savvy
Destination basics
Breaking the ice between group members
Cost . . .risk . . .safety
Trip specifics: courses and destination
Meet former first year study abroad students
“I thought I was very prepared [for the trip]. I knew what
to expect.”
Component #7
CFIS Scholarship Support
Full-time; matriculated undergraduates; academic merit;
essay, recommendations; judicial review; financial need
CFIS General Scholarships
$300 - $800
FYE Study Abroad Scholarhips (Freshman Only!)
$ 300 - $ 4,000
STARR Study Abroad Scholarship Funds
$ 1,000 - $ 4,000
Go Out - Go About - Go Abroad
First Year Students =
Success Over Seas
http://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/assessment/freshmen-abroadhttp://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/assessment/freshmen-abroad-
http://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/assessment/freshmen-abroad-
How Have You Changed from
this Experience?
Freshmen
Sophomore First-Timers
-Adaptability - 18%
-Confidence – 18%
-Cultural Understanding - 18%
-Adaptability – 16%
-Language Skills - 12%
-Global Awareness – 14%
-Future Travel Desire – 14%
-Cultural Understanding – 10%
http://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/assessment/freshmen-abroad-
http://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/assessment/freshmen-abroad-
January 2006
19 First Year Students
Age
11 Eighteen Year Olds
8 Nineteen Year Olds
Gender
15 Females
4 Males
Ethnicity
1 Indian / African American
1 Asian
1 Puerto Rican
January 2006
(Cont’d)
19 First Year Students
Honors
3 Honors
Tuition
8 In-State Students - $1,242
11 Out-of-State Students – $3,146
Program Cost
$5,400
Personal Spending
$900 - $2,500
http://www.udel.edu/bill_coll/fees/06w_fees.html
January 2006
Pre and Post Survey
Significant changes found in:
Ability to compare aspects of Los Angeles and Sydney
Ability to contrast aspects of Los Angeles and Sydney
January 2006
Pre and Post Survey
“Mike Minehan was good in comparing and
contrasting cultures.”
“Going on excursions and meeting Australians and
Aborigines helped us to get a feel of culture.”
“You get more for your money [in Australia].”
“A kip is a short nap.”
January 2006
Pre and Post Survey
Noticeable changes found in:
The course [Art 129] helping the way students
view the world.
The course [Art 129] affecting students’
understanding of those different than them.
January 2006
Pre and Post Survey
“I was most exposed to the culture by interacting
with it, such as meeting locals, shopping, and going
out to eat.”
“Australians seem to be very relaxed, very down to
earth, and friendly. Even though they speak our
language there are many subtle differences.”
“Everyone’s super friendly.”
“Vegemite is good.”
January 2006
Pre and Post Survey
Finish the sentence:
People with cultures different than my own. . .
“. . .are all the same people with different ways of living.”
“. . .fascinate me, I love to explore and learn more about them.”
All students answered positively.
January 2006
Pre and Post Survey
Finish the sentence:
My beliefs, morals, and values are mostly
influenced by all of the following. . .
“. . .family.” (15)
“. . .friends.” (12)
“. . .past experience.” (6)
“. . .self-discovery.” (5)
“. . .school or teachers.” (5)
January 2006
Observations
Culturally accepting group
Diversity within the group
Already traveled outside of the US
Only one student without a passport
Family likely to be travelers
Parents / guardians willing to fund study abroad