The Phenomenological Experiences of African American College Students Who Study Abroad

Abstract

This research was done to establish the barriers and benefits of study abroad for African American college students. The research questions were: “Why do African American students desire to study abroad?”; “What are the barriers to studying abroad and how do African American students overcome them?”; and “What is the impact of studying abroad?” The researcher utilized a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach and interviewed and recorded the lived experiences of 11 African American new graduates that studied abroad while in college. These participants told why they desired to study abroad, what they perceived as barriers, and how they overcame those difficulties. The participant’s experiences and their impact of study abroad was considered invaluable. The results found that students that experienced study abroad. stated that study abroad was a life-changing experience that they will always remember.