During a visit to Middlebury’s annual study abroad fair, Vermont Public Radio’s Nina Keck talked with students, faculty, and administrators about the effects of technology and pervasive social media on students’ experiences abroad. Professor of Psychology Barbara Hofer, who is researching the topic, says it’s possible that smart phones might be replacing some of the face-to-face communications that are important for language and cultural understanding. Hofer also says that sites like Skype may make students feel more homesick than they would otherwise.

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