ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the long-term impacts of study abroad on subsequent personal development and how they relate to the host country, host region, and world. The mixed methods study on 50 years of US study abroad in Japan found that participants have a lifelong personal connection to Japan. Notably, the experience of living in Japan results in a comparative perspective on the host region of Asia, which results in a subsequent interest and connection to Asia. Moreover, the international experience of studying abroad in Japan expands the participants' views of the world and their place within it. Participants remained connected and aware of their study abroad host country, host region, and wider world through social networks, media, and travel. Furthermore, they continue to understand their positionality within these dimensions through informal learning of languages, cultures, and international relations throughout their life.
