As a critical part of the internationalization movement in college curricula, study abroad initiatives are becoming more and more popular and the need to assess their outcomes more and more evident. While numerous studies have investigated the language gain associated with study abroad, researchers are also beginning to look at potential gains in the areas of cultural and regional competence. This study presents a theoretical background for a three‐tiered model for assessing student outcomes during study abroad in three domains—language proficiency, cross‐cultural competence, and regional awareness—and presents the quantitative data gathered from the implementation of this model. Results show the feasibility of assessing these outcomes in a holistic manner through formal assessment instruments and participant coaching pre‐ and post‐immersion.

Although defining the interrelationship between language and culture during a study abroad (SA) experience is extraordinarily difficult (Kasper & Omori, 2007), most researchers agree that it is this elusive link that makes SA so rewarding. The highly contextualized learning environment and access to native speech and authentic sociocultural behaviors leads to significant learning and identity-changing experiences. From the standpoint of SA outcomes, this complex interrelationship seems to demand a multidimensional approach to assessment and program development that might be met by viewing these variables from a second language socialization (SLS) perspective. Analyzing data from 279 undergraduate participants in 22 SA locations around the world, this study suggests quantitative and qualitative assessment measures for language proficiency, intercultural competence, and several socialization variables. Findings show areas of statistical correlation among the variables and illuminate aspects of language socialization during SA. Implications for future study and evidence-based SA program development are also given.

Abstract. Intraoperative applications of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent contrast agents can be aided by instrumentation capable of merging the view of surgical field with that of NIR fluorescence. We demonstrate augmented microscopy, an intraoperative imaging technique in which bright-field (real) and electronically processed NIR fluorescence (synthetic) images are merged within the optical path of a stereomicroscope. Under luminance of 100,000 lx, representing typical illumination of the surgical field, the augmented microscope detects 189 nM concentration of indocyanine green and produces a composite of the real and synthetic images within the eyepiece of the microscope at 20 fps. Augmentation described here can be implemented as an add-on module to visualize NIR contrast agents, laser beams, or various types of electronic data within the surgical microscopes commonly used in neurosurgical, cerebrovascular, otolaryngological, and ophthalmic procedures.

Background Preservation of adequate blood flow and exclusion of flow from lesions are key concepts of vascular neurosurgery. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence videoangiography is now widely used for intraoperative assessment of vessel patency. Objective Here we present proof of concept investigation of fluorescence angiography with augmented microscopy enhancement (FAAME): real-time overlay of fluorescence videoangiography within the white light field-of-view of conventional operative microscopy. Methods The femoral artery was exposed in seven anesthetized rats. The dissection microscope was augmented to integrate real-time electronically processed near-infrared (NIR) filtered images with conventional white light images seen through the standard oculars. This was accomplished using an integrated organic light emitting diode display to yield superimposition of white light and processed NIR images. ICG solution was injected into the jugular vein and fluorescent femoral artery flow was observed. Results FAAME was able to detect ICG fluorescence in a small artery of interest. Fluorescence appeared as bright green signal in the ocular overlaid with the anatomical image and limited to the anatomical borders of the femoral artery and its branches. Surrounding anatomical structures were clearly visualized. Observation of ICG within the vessel lumens permitted visualization of the blood flow. Recorded video loops could be reviewed in offline mode for more detailed assessment of the vasculature. Conclusion The overlay of fluorescence videoangiography within the field-of-view of the white light operative microscope allows real-time assessment of the blood flow within vessels during simultaneous surgical manipulation. This technique could improve intraoperative decision-making during complex neurovascular procedures.

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence has become a frequently used intraoperative technique for image-guided surgical interventions. In procedures such as cerebral angiography, surgeons use the optical surgical microscope for the color view of the surgical field, and then switch to an electronic display for the NIR fluorescence images. However, the lack of stereoscopic, real-time, and on-site coregistration adds time and uncertainty to image-guided surgical procedures. To address these limitations, we developed the augmented microscope, whereby the electronically processed NIR fluorescence image is overlaid with the anatomical optical image in real-time within the optical path of the microscope. In vitro, the augmented microscope can detect and display indocyanine green (ICG) concentrations down to 94.5 nM, overlaid with the anatomical color image. We prepared polyacrylamide tissue phantoms with embedded polystyrene beads, yielding scattering properties similar to brain matter. In this model, 194 µM solution of ICG was detectable up to depths of 5 mm. ICG angiography was then performed in anesthetized rats. A dynamic process of ICG distribution in the vascular system overlaid with anatomical color images was observed and recorded. In summary, the augmented microscope demonstrates NIR fluorescence detection with superior real-time coregistration displayed within the ocular of the stereomicroscope. In comparison to other techniques, the augmented microscope retains full stereoscopic vision and optical controls including magnification and focus, camera capture, and multiuser access. Augmented microscopy may find application in surgeries where the use of traditional microscopes can be enhanced by contrast agents and image guided delivery of therapeutics, including oncology, neurosurgery, and ophthalmology.