For many American college students, participating in a study abroad program is an experience that often changes their perspectives from a focus on local and national issues to a deeper awareness of other nations' histories, socioeconomic systems, governments and cultures. Such a change in students' perspectives is what most study abroad educators seek to achieve.
American participants in study abroad programs gain a deeper appreciation of other cultures, which is an important factor in the development of a more global perspective as nations and cultures become more interconnected. U.S. students often find themselves enjoying books, movies, artists and musical styles that they had not been exposed to, thus gaining a better appreciation of the world beyond America's borders.
Since the end of World War II, American culture has been globally dominant because of the wide appeal of Hollywood movies and popular music in other countries. This cultural predominance often instills in college students a set of cultural values and biases that often shape their opinions about other nations and cultures. Study abroad participants, however, tend to return with a better understanding of their own biases, as well as a more appreciative view of other traditions and cultures.
Though some study abroad programs are offered in such English-speaking countries as Australia, Belize, Canada, England, Namibia, and New Zealand, others are offered in nations such as Argentina, Austria, China, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Peru, where foreign language study is required. Students who take six credits or more of language courses and interact with host families often return with an increased desire to continue their foreign language studies and have better interaction with people from other countries.