e analogized to Outward Bound programs in that students are compelled to move out of their comfort zone and challenged to transform their perceptions, ideas and attitudes in the process. These students who are confronted with their unfamiliar surroundings must overcome their culture shock and sense of anxiety to take in the new information from the field, process it in their minds and assimilate it into their previous store of knowledge (45).
Before delving into the advantages and disadvantages of short term study abroad programs, it is important to provide a clear definition of this type of programs, which will distinguish it from other types of overseas programs. Gray et al. provided a concise definition by stating that short term study abroad programs are one- to six–week-long trips taken overseas as a means of obtaining information or attending seminars, with varied, but focused goals (45). They are typically organized by institutions such as schools and occur during the summer or spring break. Objectives of the short term study program include the development of linguistic fluency and the cultivation of the awareness of the unique cultural characteristics of the country and region. These objectives are certainly relevant from a Geography, Economics, History and Civics standpoint.
Young students of different ages are often taken on "comparative culture trip" where they are exposed to various components of another country system (geography, economy, history and society) that will challenge them to widen their horizons beyond that of their knowledge of the U.S (Gray et al. 45). Engle and Engle provided an example of an art-history tour that includes "group hotel accommodations, morning lectures, museum visits, guided walks and excursions" (10). For many young students who have not yet traveled overseas, their first short term study abroad program can offer an eye-opening experience for them, which brings their learn...