International Journal of Social Science and Business (IJSSB)

Traditionally, study abroad programs have involved immersion in the host culture, with particular emphasis on using and learning the native language. However, other types of programs designed to give non-foreign language majors the opportunity to study in another country have become more prevalent in recent years. Many American universities have their own “island” study abroad programs to provide students with an opportunity to travel and live together in the host country. While there is anecdotal evidence that the island model programs have a positive effect on students, there is a dearth of studies that have systematically and objectively assessed the impact of such programs. The purpose of this pre and post quantitative study is to examine the impact of a semester-long island study abroad program on the intercultural sensitivity and cross-cultural adaptability skills of undergraduate college students using the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and the Cross-cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI) instruments.