Facilitating study abroad for psychology students

Abstract

Study abroad in psychology promotes knowledge of other cultures, global–mindedness, the re–evaluation of one’s cultural identity, interest in civic engagement, and insight into the univesality or non–universality of psychological phenomena. Heightened recognition of these outcomes has led to increasingly larger numbers of psychology students studying abroad. Still, psychology staff who wish to direct a study abroad programme may find the process of organising and leading such a programme intimidating. They may also need practical strategies for responding efectively to mental health issues that arise while abroad, a charge for which professors of psychology are especially well suited. Additionally, psycholo y staff who advise students seeking study abroad opportunities need to be knowledgeable about the benefits of study abroad, options that exist for their students, and the basics of how to make study abroad administrati ely possible. In this paper we provide theory–, research–, and experience–driven strategies to guide psychology staff through the complex processes of advising students and directing study–abroad programmes.