Academic Outcomes of Study Abroad The students we have known who have taken advantage of the opportunities offered at their schools to study abroad have returned with a certain je ne sais quoi. A twinkle in their eye, an air of confidence, a better sense of themselves and what they want from their education all seem to be a part of it. Indeed, they returned changed, and changed for the better. This opportunity to learn how to live in a new culture, communicate in a foreign language, and tackle new challenges creates a unique opportunity for students to see what they are really capable of. When they return, more important than their verbal fluency, understanding of a new culture, or the richness of the new friends they have made is what they have learned about themselves. This study confirms that in addition to all those benefits, students return from their study abroad more focused on their studies.