Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Date of Award

5-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Skip Trudeau

Second Advisor

Scott Gaier

Third Advisor

Drew Moser

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between study abroad and integrity development. Past research has indicated that a participant’s experience studying abroad impacts their values, personal and global awareness, and ways of developing as a person. While research looking specifically at the development of integrity through study abroad has yet to be explored, current research surrounding integrity holds similar themes aligning with the developmental outcomes of study abroad. Using the Integrity Scale developed by Schlenker, Miller, and Johnson (2009), 419 students were surveyed at a small, private, religiously affiliated institution in the Midwest region of the United States. Using both independent t-tests and descriptive statistics, the measure of integrity was compared to that of individuals who had not participated in a study abroad experience. The results indicated that study abroad has a low but practical impact on integrity development. The results of this study support the need for institutions to evaluate the development of integrity within their students as they engage in worldly experiences, such as study abroad. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between study abroad and integrity development.

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