Researchers:
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Education
Funding Award Amount: $254,550
Project Duration: 2017-2020
Project Description:
Despite growing participation in international education, little is known about the long-term career pathways and choices of language study abroad alumni. This is a major shortcoming because of the volume of resources the U.S. economy provides to support study abroad, and the significance of language ability to global security and the economic interests of the country. This project will undertake a comprehensive investigation to understand the extent to which foreign language ability developed at the postsecondary level is valued, recognized, and cultivated across the lifespan, and the extent to which this ability contributes to career readiness and offers personal and professional opportunities. We will also examine how and to what extent language ability is supported after study abroad, which program types lead to the greatest long-term impact, and the advantages and challenges that these learners experience.
