Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the student participants’ motivations to partake in a short-term study abroad experience. This was an observational case study of the North Carolina State University College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Agribusiness Short-Term Study Abroad Program with the 2014 program student participants. The study explored student participants’ motivations to participate in a short-term study abroad program. This study found students were motivated to participate in a short-term study abroad program because of the short-term length aspect, the completion of course credits, and encouragement from other people, both other students and faculty.

A quantitative ex post facto survey design was used to determine what, if any, difference exists in youth leadership life skill development between livestock exhibitors who participated in youth organizations and those who have not. Findings include a lack of statistical difference between those exhibitors who had participated in 4-H and FFA compared to those who had not. Recommendations include youth programs evaluating livestock programs to ensure the ultimate goal of life skill development is occurring and made known to the public.