Strategies to Maximize Short-Term Study Abroad Engagement and Learning for Criminal Justice Students

Traditionally, study abroad programs involved students enrolling at a foreign university for a semester or a year. However, short-term study abroad experiences have become increasingly popular and frequent. While spending one or two weeks in a foreign country cannot replicate the depth of a semester or year-long immersion, short-term programs can be structured to significantly enhance student learning. Drawing on years of experience with short-term study abroad, this paper provides practical recommendations for planning, timing, and structuring such programs to enhance its impact for students. Key strategies include thorough planning, collaboration with partner institutions, and embedding the study abroad experience into a regular semester course. These approaches help address challenges while maximizing the educational impact of short-term study abroad.