Do study abroad programs contribute to strengthening institutions in the Global South? A revisit of MSU Study Abroad

Study abroad programs are popular educational opportunities, allowing students to take classes in other countries and gain first-hand experiences of other cultures. Despite the extensive research on the impact of study abroad programs on students, faculty, and home institutions, there has been little research on the contribution to host institutions. This study draws on qualitative interviews to show that a study abroad programs can contribute to strengthening a host institution by enabling its faculty to pursue advanced studies. However, the results also show that this benefit often remains unrealized as faculty members rarely return to their institutions upon completing their studies. Motivating individuals to return is important to ensure that the spirit and intentions of the institutions providing advanced study are upheld.