Education Abroad and the Undergraduate Experience

"This important new book offers a timely extension of Brewer and Ogden's many years of critical study into the tensions between the acclaimed value of international education on the one hand, and its complex integration into the arc of the undergraduate experience, on the other. But it also goes well beyond that to address the integration of mobility experiences in broad sectors of the U.S. higher education landscape, including community college, lifelong learning, and the transition to employment. This edited volume, which includes some of the most influential scholars and practitioners working today, is a critical milestone that helps to further establish the emerging scholarship of international education and deflect criticism that there remains a missing link between the use of theory and its impact on practice."

Bernhard T. Streitwieser, Assistant Professor of International Education & International Affairs

The George Washington University

“Brewer and Ogden, along with an impressive cast of contributors, offer a thoughtful examination of the historical and contemporary issues shaping education abroad and its evolving role in undergraduate student learning and development. Together, they lend a critical, but optimistic view of what’s possible if we can attend to well-informed planning that enhances outcomes realized through education abroad and extends these benefits to a broader cross-section of undergraduate students. This is a must-read!”

Laurie Nichols, President

University of Wyoming

“An excellent resource to bring a broad range of allies into the discussion of the critical nature of study abroad to the undergraduate experience. This collection of essays offers insights and guidance for both the new and experienced international educator by reexamining the historical context of today’s education abroad, by applying new theories of student development, and by promoting curricular enhancements such as the integration of reflection and ongoing orientation into the process.”

Penelope Pynes, Associate Provost for International Programs

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

“When a field voices critical perspectives it often signals that a paradigm shift is underway. The progressive improvement of education abroad depends on these adjustments in thinking, which will over time impact practices. The power of this book and its authors is in how it propels the education abroad field forward by: 1) questioning its inherited structures and actions; 2) critically examining current challenges and opportunities; and 3) positing new ways to think about and conduct the work of education abroad.

Education abroad is a multidisciplinary enterprise that intersects with virtually all areas of higher education. This book informs and is useful to the multiple stakeholders who have varied interests in and concerns about education abroad: higher education administrators, education abroad researchers, faculty members, policy makers, graduate students, and of course education abroad professionals. Each reader will incorporate the insights contained in these pages into their work and, in turn, shape the education abroad field."

Brian Whalen, President and CEO

The Forum on Education Abroad, 2006-2018

“Elizabeth Brewer and Anthony Ogden have gathered a group of well-documented essays that demonstrate the evolving nature of education abroad. The articles cover topics as wide-ranging as design, curriculum integration, pedagogy, student support, evaluation, and use of partnerships. Of interest to faculty leading programs, curriculum committees, study abroad personnel, senior international officers, and even chief academic officers…anyone wanting to give students a high quality educational experience. This is an expert and essential collection.”

Barbara A. Hill, Senior Associate for Internationalization

American Council on Education