Greek Affiliation and Education Abroad: A Quantitative Study of the Role of Greek Involvement in Study-Abroad Experiences

Authors

Luke Paul Martens Bretscher, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

Spring 3-2014

Comments

A THESIS Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Master of Arts, Major: Educational Administration, Under the Supervision of Professor James Griesen. Lincoln, Nebraska: March, 2014

Copyright 2014 Luke Paul Martens Bretscher

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study was to understand the impact that Greek affiliation has on the education-abroad experience. Specifically, the study examined whether there were differences in the experiences of Greek and non-Greek undergraduate education-abroad participants.

The central question for the study was: Are there differences in participation and experiences in education-abroad activities between students affiliated with social Greek letter organizations and students who are not affiliated with social Greek letter organizations? The researcher examined four different experiential differences: rate, influences to participate, barriers, and educational outcomes.

By examining 705 current University of Nebraska—Lincoln students who had study-abroad experiences, the researcher found that Greek students participated in education abroad at significantly higher rates than non-Greek students.

All 705 students were invited to participate in a survey to analyze experiences; 246 students completed the survey. The results of the survey found that Greek students experienced modestly more positive peer influences to participate in education abroad. No significant differences in barriers emerged from the data. Greek students also reported modestly stronger educational outcomes from their participation in education-abroad activities.

The results of this study have a number of implications for professionals involved in both education abroad and Greek life on college campuses. In addition, the research contributes to existing literature and connects the study-abroad field and Greek membership in a new way.

Adviser: James Griesen