The purpose of the current study was to explore the impact of macro-level factors on the development of study abroad in community colleges. In order to investigate the impact of multiple factors, the following research question was explored: What are the macro-level factors that influence the development and deployment of study abroad programs at community colleges? This study used two electronic surveys to answer this question. The first survey was designed to collect data from community colleges regarding background/demographic information, international activities on campus, and their experiences with the development of study abroad programs. In developing this survey, I modified and built upon the American Council of Education survey which has been the basis for much of the work on community college internationalization to date (Green, 2007; Green et al., 2008; Green & Siaya, 2005; Hult & Motz, 2008; Siaya & Hayward, 2003). The survey was then administered electronically to directors of institutional research at 751 community colleges accredited by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).The second survey was designed to better understand the connections community colleges have forged with external constituencies within the community and the ways in which these constituencies have influenced study abroad program development, or the lack thereof. This study was administered to senior administrators, including deans, vice presidents, presidents, and chancellors, at institutions that indicated whether or not they administered study abroad programs in the first survey. Results suggested that several factors impact the development of study abroad programs, the single largest of which is financial: the wealth of institution, the student body, and the surrounding community all have a major impact on the development of study abroad programs. Beyond wealth, this study indicates that the makeup of the community, its employment base, connections to other countries or regions (such as through immigration), and overall support are all key factors that impact the development of study abroad and the locations where the programs occur. The findings also indicate that institutions that administer study abroad programs have higher levels of internationalization (such as international student enrollments and foreign language offerings), stronger relationships with external stakeholders, and are larger and more urban than their counterparts that do not administer study abroad.
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