Going Out of the Comfort Zone: A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Analysis of Adolescents’ Identity Development Around Study Abroad Experiences

Identity development is an important task during adolescence that is shaped by events and transitions such as study abroad experiences. This longitudinal study addresses how these experiences are associated with adolescents’ identity development in the educational and interpersonal domains. Using a circumspective mixed-methods design, we analyzed quantitative survey responses (collected pre and post the experience abroad) and qualitative interviews from 30 adolescents: 15 who had studied abroad (Mage = 16.56, SD = 0.34) and 15 from a matched comparison group (Mage = 16.48, SD = 0.31). Findings suggest that study abroad experiences fostered increased exploration in the educational domain, wherein students were prompted to reflect on their academic choices and personal goals. Although changes in interpersonal identity processes were more varied, many participants reinforced existing commitments during and after their experience abroad. The mixed-method design illuminated the complexity of identity development by revealing both the benefits and challenges of navigating new cultural contexts.