Expanding Boundaries: Current and New Directions in Study Abroad Research and Practice

In spite of advances in the understanding of the effects of the immersion experience on language and cultural development in the last three decades, many questions in study abroad (SA) research remain unanswered. The present article offers a close examination of the field as it is today with an eye toward future trends and gaps in the literature. The authors discuss how the field is being reshaped in response to the preponderant role of new technologies in research and educational practices; to constant challenges to diversify access for minority students, including heritage language learners; and to meeting the growing demands of a globalized economy and workforce. Current trends in SA program design such as the incorporation of service-learning, volunteering, and internships into the SA curriculum are also given special consideration. The article focuses on language development first and then on the factors influencing that development that are internal and external to learners. Interfaces between these areas are addressed. Subsections of the article provide an outline of an innovative SA research agenda as well as suggestions for rethinking SA program design and implementation. Challenges The idea that the immersion experience indefectibly results in language development and overall learner growth has been consistently questioned. What is already known about study abroad? In what directions is the field moving in the 21st century?