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2013 Abstracts

Preparation, Acculturation, and Repatriation: A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding the Mormon Missionary Experience

Joshua Blume, Utah State University

Economics and Finance

Studies of expatriates in a number of industries have suggested that acculturation plays a role in how individuals re-adapt to their home country after working abroad. This study applies acculturation and repatriation frameworks to returned Mormon Missionaries (who have also spent significant time away from home and family). Qualitative and quantitative results suggest that re-adaptation to home, family and school are affected in part by cultural components of the mission experience. Recommendations are made to assist “expatriate missionaries” in the re-acclimation process.