Impossible things before breakfast: Myths in education abroad

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a considerable development of administrative skills in study-abroad management, but much less in the educational dimension of this endeavour. The field is burdened by myths and conceptions that exist unchallenged in the uncontested climate of study abroad. An exploration of three of these prevailing myths demonstrates the degree to which the field needs to reexamine some of its assumptions: the association of immersion and integration with quality, the growth of short-term programmes, and the call to significantly expand programmes in nontraditional locations. This essay critically examines the misconceptions that have accumulated around these topics. © 2007 Nuffic.