Short-term, business-focused study abroad programs are becoming increasingly popular, economical and meaningful, says Josh Irons

Ask any business student the two primary considerations in any prospective venture, and he or she will likely tell you that the bottom line and globalization are critical in today's dynamic commerce landscape.

As such, savvy business students are increasingly turning to short-term, business-focused study abroad programs over longer-term opportunities in order to obtain the international experience demanded by the increasingly globalized business landscape without breaking the bank.

Demand for this genre of program – which generally last between two and eight weeks – has been steadily increasing over the past few years. Short-term programs now represent 55 percent of all study abroad participation, and among U.S. students studying abroad, Business & Management proved to be the fastest growing field of study, increasing by 4.5 percent between the 1996/97 and 2006/07 academic years. (1.) Comparatively, all other subject areas reported on by Open Doors, a yearly report on international student mobility conducted by the Institute of International Education, grew less than one percent during that same time period.

Commitment, both in terms of time and money, is a likely contributor to this increased demand for short-term business education programs. In light of the current economic downturn, many students have encountered difficulty financing the more costly long-term study abroad programs, which can range in price anywhere from $8,000 to more than $30,000. Short-term business programs, on the other hand, tend to offer more affordable options for students seeking international business education.

Of particular interest to the finance-conscious prospective student are the newly-established programs in emerging hubs of commerce in countries like China, India and Saudi Arabia. At price points significantly lower than programs in England, Spain, France and other established centers of international business, program offerings in developing and industrializing countries afford unique, experiential business education that mirrors issues students will likely encounter over the course of their careers.

Additionally, short-term programs require a more manageable time commitment for students. The convenience of a shorter program is attractive to many students who juggle part-time or full-time employment with their coursework and lack the schedule flexibility to partake in a semester, year-long or full-degree business program.

Rising popularity of short-term programs may also stem from recent research findings that indicate short-term study abroad programs cultivate the same level of global engagement as long-term offerings. The University of Minnesota's Study Abroad for Global Engagement project suggests that students who study overseas for a short period of time – four weeks or less – are just as likely as those who study abroad for several months or even a year to be globally engaged. (2.)

The study's findings have particularly interesting implications for employability, a primary concern of many prospective study abroad learners when considering short-term programs. While many students fear that the limited cultural immersion associated with short-term study abroad programs may make them less attractive candidates for global positions, the Study Abroad for Global Engagement project stresses that short-term program participants demonstrate desirable levels of the key qualities employers look for in potential candidates, including volunteerism, philanthropy, involvement in international and domestic political issues and leadership in organizations that benefit communities and society as a whole.

Essentially, the comparability of the benefits of long-term and short-term study abroad programs result from the similar learning objectives achieved through both program durations. Largely, any business-focused study abroad program will communicate an understanding of international business concepts and trends, and impart the ability to internationalize domestically developed business methods and practices. (3.)  Furthermore, business-centric study abroad programs promote cross-cultural awareness, and address the cultural differences inherent in doing business in foreign countries as well as techniques for adapting to business norms in other countries.

For the business-savvy prospective student seeking a high value international business education experience at a reasonable cost, a short-term study abroad program may fit the bill – quite literally.

Sources:

1. Open Doors, Report on International Education Exchange, November 2008, http://opendoors.iienetwork.org/?p=131559

2.  The Chronicle of Higher Education, Short Study-Abroad Trips Can Have Lasting Effect, Research Suggests by Karin Fischer, February 20, 200, http://chronicle.com/daily/2009/02/12191n.htm

3.  San Diego State University, Major Goals and Learning Outcomes for the B.A. International Business Program, http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~cba/assessment/GOALS-LEARNING-BA-IB.pdf

Josh Irons is product development manager of StudyAbroad.com, an online directory that is reshaping the way students, colleges and universities view study abroad. A Web resource of EducationDynamics, StudyAbroad.com is the Internet’s leading resource for study abroad and intensive language programs searchable by subject and destination