2.2.3. Phase 2
The results from Phase 1 were used to help the program’s administrators to develop a study abroad program in Phase 2 that would fit within the constraints of a majority of the program’s students and their schedules. Based on the results of the Phase 1 survey, as described above, it was determined that a short-term study abroad program, comprising no more than two weeks overseas, was the best way to realistically accommodate the demand for a majority of the students, a desire for hands-on international experience advocated by NE university’s experiential learning approach, and the program’s philosophy.
In an open-ended section of the survey, students identified barriers that would prevent them from participating in a study abroad program, revealing the time constraints and financial obstacles the majority of this population of students face. Students noted barriers such as having to make babysitting arrangements for children while abroad, getting enough time off from work, the cost of travel as well as the cost of not working while traveling, and seasonal limitations. Summer programs were noted as highly preferred by most respondents, the majority of who worked as teachers. Though other research on barriers to studying abroad indicate that financial concerns are not the top limitation for most students due to financial aid opportunities (Stroud, 2010), the survey reflected that in fact, for these students, time and money mattered a lot. As one respondent stated: “Not working and having to pay all of the usual bills while abroad is not easy for adult working students” (Brack, 2010). This is likely a reflection of the conflicting needs of non-traditional vs. traditional students.