Interdisciplinary Faculty-Led Summer Study Abroad Linking Liberal Arts and Professional Programs

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper describes a faculty-led summer program in Madrid, Spain. We argue that it represents a case study in the implementation of best practices in study abroad, particularly as it relates to experiential programs that include an internship component. Adding to a growing consensus on best practices for these types of educational opportunities, we claim that study abroad experiential learning should include purposeful interdisciplinarity, in particular as it relates to the interconnection between a liberal arts education and useful business acumen. We believe that this integrative approach can serve as model for the liberal arts in the twenty-first century. In the article, we present detailed data on 15 years of the program, allowing the reader to contemplate and analyze the intricacies of implementation. We conclude that the benefits to students participating in experiential study abroad programs will be maximized in the post-pandemic world of this century.