Domestic Study Away in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Domestic Study Away in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Language: English
Authors: Natalie I. Cruz (ORCID 0000-0001-7208-0917), Melissa Whatley (ORCID 0000-0002-7073-6772)
Source: Review of Educational Research. 2025 95(5):1099-1130.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 32
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Literature Reviews, Higher Education, Student Experience, Intercultural Programs, COVID-19, Pandemics, Outcomes of Education, Student Exchange Programs
DOI: 10.3102/00346543241279296
ISSN: 0034-6543
1935-1046
Abstract: The recent COVID-19 pandemic and an emphasis on improving access to international education experiences have spurred researchers and practitioners to consider global experiences without international travel. Domestic study away programs can broaden access to intercultural learning for postsecondary students. This systematic literature review, the first known attempt to review the literature on study away, explores how researchers and professionals have previously discussed these opportunities. We draw from 59 publications to understand how study away is defined; conceptual, theoretical, and methodological approaches to investigating study away; common programmatic features; and learning outcomes. We find that study away is often ill-defined, and many empirical publications do not utilize theoretical or conceptual frameworks in their exploration. Learning outcomes attributed to study away were most commonly either psychosocial or related to attitudes and values. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for researchers and practitioners and highlight directions for future work.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1483631
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The recent COVID-19 pandemic and an emphasis on improving access to international education experiences have spurred researchers and practitioners to consider global experiences without international travel. Domestic study away programs can broaden access to intercultural learning for postsecondary students. This systematic literature review, the first known attempt to review the literature on study away, explores how researchers and professionals have previously discussed these opportunities. We draw from 59 publications to understand how study away is defined; conceptual, theoretical, and methodological approaches to investigating study away; common programmatic features; and learning outcomes. We find that study away is often ill-defined, and many empirical publications do not utilize theoretical or conceptual frameworks in their exploration. Learning outcomes attributed to study away were most commonly either psychosocial or related to attitudes and values. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for researchers and practitioners and highlight directions for future work.
ISSN:0034-6543
1935-1046
DOI:10.3102/00346543241279296