Study abroad: Measuring the effects of a semester of study abroad on the faith development of undergraduate students

Much of the previous research concerning study abroad focuses on linguistic, social, or personality changes as a result of the experience. Within the realm of higher education lies a body of faith-based colleges called the Christian Consortium of Colleges and Universities (CCCU) which claim to educate the whole person, including one's faith. Some of these institutions sponsor study abroad programs proclaiming the value of such in the educational process. Nevertheless, few studies have been done to measure the relationship of time spent abroad with faith development of undergraduates.; This research assists in expanding the current body of knowledge regarding the faith development of undergraduate students. It also serves as a springboard for further research in the area of study abroad and its relationship to faith development. Based on Fowler's contention that a time of transition, such as leaving home, divorce, changing jobs, or moving typically represents an upheaval in life and is less traumatic for young adults, this research attempts to show that indeed a third or fourth-year college student is primed for a "transition time" of intimately experiencing another culture. The following questions were used to guide the research. (1) Is there a gain realized between pre-test and post-test on faith development as measured by the Faithful Change Questionnaire (FCQ) for those students who participated in the Semester in Mozambique Program (SMP) offered by Greenville College? (2) Is there a difference between pre-experience questionnaire results and post-experience questionnaire results for treatment and control groups on faith development as measured by the FCQ? (3) To what extent do those students who have participated in the SMP, or similar study abroad experiences refer to them during Faith Development Interviews conducted with seniors on Greenville College's campus?; Using a mixed method approach quantitative data was used to answer the first two questions. The null hypotheses were rejected for both the first two questions. Qualitative data from interviews and essay questions was used in narrative style to answer the third question. The results show that a significant study abroad experience may have a profound impact on the faith development of undergraduate students.