Content area
Giving students the opportunity to study abroad is a privilege and a responsibility. Ideally, college students’ educational experiences should reach beyond the classroom walls through the formation of a strong study abroad program. Like most educational initiatives, studying abroad has advantages and disadvantages. Short-term study abroad (STSA) programs have grown in popularity, and a community college such as Delaware Technical Community College may offer STSA rather than semester-long programs. The literature provides leaders of STSA programs both cautionary tales and empirical results to guide planning and implementation. After exploring the benefits of studying abroad, the challenges of STSA, and best practices, the focus will turn to my ideas for making specific improvements at the local community college.