The benefits of short‐term study abroad as a blended learning experience

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role blended learning plays in expanding study abroad opportunities. Design/methodology/approach – The approach utilized involves providing a synopsis of research dealing with study abroad and its benefits, particularly for student populations likely to comprise a significant portion of the distance learning market. Perspectives on the benefits derived from incorporating distance learning into short‐term study abroad programs are then discussed based on the experiences of a business college with a significant enrollment of online students. Findings – This paper highlights the flexibility afforded by online education in fulfilling academic content requirements, showcasing blended learning as a strategic complementary input in content delivery. The enhancement in study abroad options afforded offers the potential to introduce international business experiences to student populations historically underserved. Practical implications – Blended learning facilitates the inclusion of online students, enhancing the financial viability of study abroad courses and programs. Social implications – Blended learning facilitates the inclusion of online students, expanding study abroad opportunities to student populations historically underserved. Originality/value – Conceptualizing blended learning as a facilitating device for study abroad is a contribution to the literature; research surrounding the nexus between online learning and study abroad is embryonic. Within this nascent area, this paper also provides value in offering suggestions for future empirical research.