Courses are offered in political and social change, the development process, history, and religion. Impacts of Educational Travel To determine whether study abroad really constitutes a form of alternative tourism, I looked for studies on the impacts of educational travel. Students who study abroad report that the programs helped them make career and life choices, attain skills in intercultural communication, improve problem solving skills and field research techniques, and gain respect for cultural differences. Students are introduced to new ways of seeing and thinking which challenge old assumptions and beliefs. Third World travel especially leads to a greater understanding of self and a confronting of U.S. values concerning consumerism, individualism, and race-based identity.
Students return with a greater global-mindedness.
In general, the most commonly observed impacts on students who studied abroad are better foreign language proficiency, more knowledge about the culture, politics, and society of the host country, and altered stereotypes. The results are not so clear, however, when one takes into account the self-selection of students. Many students who go abroad, as compared to ones who stay at home, may be inclined to a broader world view. One study showed no increase in international understanding because the students who went were already previously concerned about international issues. The main focus of the study was to examine all parties involved with the exchange program, not only the students but the professors and host families as well.