Real Experiences and Impact: The Value of Study Abroad in Higher Education
Invitation to Participate
You are invited to participate in a research study examining the effects and perceived value of study abroad experiences on college students.
Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You may choose not to participate or discontinue the survey at any time without penalty.
Before deciding whether to participate, please read the following information carefully.
The purpose of this study is to examine how studying abroad may influence college students' personal, cultural, academic, and professional development.
The study will explore students' experiences with areas such as communication, independence, adaptability, cultural awareness, career readiness, and personal growth. The study will also examine barriers that may affect students' ability to participate in study abroad programs, including financial concerns, academic scheduling, accessibility, and institutional support.
What Will I Be Asked to Do?
If you choose to participate, you will complete an online survey about your study abroad experience.
The survey will take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.
Questions will ask about your study abroad experience, personal development, cultural learning, academic and career development, and perceptions of barriers to studying abroad.
You may participate if you:
• Are 18 years of age or older;
• Are currently a college/university student or were a college/university student when you studied abroad; or
• Have participated in an international educational, work, internship, or service experience abroad.
This study is expected to involve minimal risk.
Some questions may cause minor discomfort when reflecting on challenges or difficulties associated with your study abroad experience. You may skip any question you do not wish to answer, when the survey allows, and you may stop participating at any time.
There are no anticipated physical risks associated with participation.
You may not receive a direct personal benefit from participating.
However, your responses may contribute to a better understanding of how study abroad experiences affect college students and other individuals. The findings may help colleges and universities identify ways to improve study abroad opportunities and reduce barriers to participation.
Your responses will be treated as confidential.
The survey will avoid collecting unnecessary personally identifying information. Your name will not be requested as part of the research survey.
Results will be reported in aggregate form whenever possible. If anonymous responses to open-ended questions are quoted in the final research paper or presentation, identifying information will be removed.
Your participation is completely voluntary.
You may choose not to participate, skip questions when permitted, or stop completing the survey at any time.
Your decision to participate or not participate will not affect your grades, academic standing, employment, relationship with Robert Morris University, or access to university services.
By selecting “Yes, I agree to participate,” you confirm that:
• You are at least 18 years old.
• You have read and understood the information above.
• You voluntarily agree to participate.
• You understand that you may stop participating at any time.
If you select “No,” you will not be able to continue the survey. By selecting “Yes, I agree to participate,” you are providing electronic consent to participate in this research study.
1. Consent: Do you agree to participate in this research study?
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