Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad 1 The High Impact of Education Abroad: College Students’ Engagement in International Experiences and the Development of Intercultural Competencies Michael J. Stebleton University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Krista M. Soria University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Blythe T. Cherney University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Study abroad opportunities continue to be a popular choice for U.S. college students looking to expand their undergraduate education. According to the recent fgures released by the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, approximately 273,996 U.S. students studied abroad for credit during the 2010-2011 academic year (Institute of International Education, 2012). Many of these students also opted to participate in work and/ or internship experiences. Te Institute of International Education reported an increase of 7% in the number of students participating in practical work experiences included in their study abroad experience. Over 20,000 students received academic credit at U.S. colleges and universities for internships or work abroad. Despite a modest decline in the number of students studying abroad in recent years, campuses indicate that the number of students participating in study abroad is beginning to rebound, perhaps due to renewed student interest in global current events and the emphasis placed on gaining global and intercultural communication skills. Students may also be encouraged to study abroad because both employers and institutions increasingly expect students to possess strong global competencies (Hunter, White, & Godbey, 2006; Tarrant, 2010). Many academic institutions include “global citizenship” as a specifc learning outcome or student development competency for undergraduate students. Colleges and universities around the United States have made global ©2015 The Forum on Education Abroad