Evaluating cultural immersion outcomes through a logic model
(Book - Regular Print)

ProQuest Document ID: 1494531397

Advisor: Tiffany Wynn

Thesis (M.A.) -- Prescott College, 2013

This thesis examines the long-term benefits and outcomes of participating in a cultural immersion experience. There is limited research on the lasting impacts of immersion experiences for young adults. The thesis research is conducted through the Logic Model style of program evaluations, as well as through qualitative and quantitative surveys of past participants. This research analyzes the survey responses from the past eight years (2006-2013) of participants of the University of San Diego (USD) El Salvador Immersion Program. The thesis research also includes an interview with the executive director of CRISPAZ who spoke on behalf of the El Salvadoran host families. CRISPIZ, a non-profit located in San Salvador, El Salvador, partners with the USD El Salvador Immersion Program. The research results show that there are immense benefits from participating in this immersion-style of education. The results include, but are not limited to, the weight that the immersion had on the participants' career aspirations. The research study concludes that the USD El Salvador immersion program currently meets all of their programmatic outcomes and goals to a high level.