Cultural understanding and participation refers to the degree of active attempts to appreciate and engage oneself in the cultural experience while abroad. Nash (1976) found that Americans studying abroad in France who admitted to acting more “like a Frenchmen” reported significantly increased interest in international affairs. For American study abroad students, greater interaction with the foreign environment is suggested to associate with enhanced development and personal growth (Kauffmann, Martin, Weaver, & Weaver, 1992). One study found goals of enhanced cultural competency prior to departure were related to increased global understanding and cross-cultural skill development after study abroad trips (Kitsantas, 2004).