This study seeks to examine the learning outcomes of study abroad and the conditions that foster those outcomes. I used self-authorship, a theory that encompasses the interpersonal, intrapersonal and cognitive developmental domains, and its affiliated learning partnership model, as the theoretical framework. The subjects of this research were the undergraduate students in a public liberal arts college located in the Midwest who studied abroad in academic year 2004-2005. Data collection was first carried out through a web-administered, production-format survey. I then followed up with semi-structured interviews to cross-check the results of the survey and to get detailed information on the students learning experiences while abroad. Qualitative data analysis revealed that study abroad can help some students move farther in their self-authorship development at all phases and along all three dimensions. Narratives from the interviewees also indicated the kinds of elements in study-abroad programs that either promote or hinder the students journey towards self-authorship.

Dr. Fang Du has been the Director of Assessment at the University of Mount Union since 2009. She worked as the assistant director at the Multi-Ethnic Student Program at University of Minnesota's Morris campus from 2003 till 2009. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus.