Reflecting on Global Learning Goals: The Study Abroad Portfolio

Students' learning progress in areas such as language proficiency or cultural awareness is considerable while studying abroad, but specific preparation, engagement with, and reflection of their experiences can increase these benefits and particularly students' awareness of them. This article offers an overview of a study abroad portfolio that was developed to help students approach their semester abroad more intentionally by setting different learning goals for their time abroad, observing and reflecting on cultural experiences, and tracking their progress in areas such as their ability to adapt to unfamiliar cultural settings. Such a portfolio project further helps students understand and articulate the outcomes of their study abroad experience, which can serve as basis from which to document their global skills, intercultural competencies, and ability to adapt to new cultural settings in different locations when needed, for instance, on the job market.