An Analysis of Influences on the Decision to Study Abroad in Law School

This applied dissertation investigated influences on the decision to study abroad in law school. The researcher created and administered a survey instrument to 265 students at the subject law school to help explore five research questions: (1) What influences the decision of students at the subject law school to study abroad? (2) What influences the decision of students at the subject law school not to study abroad? (3) Do students at the subject law school believe that study abroad is worthwhile during law school? (4) Are there differences in ethnicity between students at the subject law school who study abroad and those who do not study abroad? (5) Are there differences in age between students at the subject law school who study abroad and those who do not study abroad? The findings of the survey instrument combined with previous research led the researcher to make specific suggestions to help increase the participation level in study-abroad programs at the subject law school. First, a strong effort is needed to educate all of the stakeholders involved---students, faculty members, administrators, and employers---about the importance of study abroad in law school on several levels. Second, the creation of a virtual law study-abroad program would provide a cost-efficient and flexible manner for a large number of law students at the subject law school to gain valuable international experience.