In recent years, short-term study abroad programs targeted at elementary and secondary school students have become increasingly popular. Although no statistics have been gathered on this specific population, Hudzik and Larsen have noted the trends of "junior high and high school language teachers, social studies teachers, athletic coaches and band directors accompanying students to study abroad" (6). Some of these programs for young students are also organized by youth exchange organizations such as Children's International Summer Villages that provide 11-year-olds with the opportunity to immerse in another culture for one month (Hudzik and Larson 6).
This paper will examine the advantages and disadvantages of short term study abroad, based on an analysis of the types of exposure they will receive. More specifically, this topic would be discussed within the context of a group of eighth and ninth graders traveling to a city during the summer, who are chaperoned by a couple of teachers and chaperons from a Geography, Economics, History and Civics Standpoint. Essentially, the emphasis is on whether these students are able to achieve a heightened understanding and appreciation of the social similarities and differences between their own country and the country they visited. However, it is important to note that reliable data on elementary and secondary school students' participation in short term study programs are unavailable, save for a few anecdotal reports (Hudzik and Larsen 5). Because of the limited information available on short term study abroad for a young population, some information regarding short term study abroad for all populations of different age groups will be included, whenever appropriate.
According to Gray, Murdock and Stebbins, study abroad programs have become embraced as a legitimate form of learning, known as experiential learning. Unlike traditional classroom learning, study abroad programs can b...