Matching Items (2)
Description
Inspired by my own experiences, I began this study to examine students' cultural engagement while studying abroad. Students' motivations to study abroad vastly vary and no two experiences are the same, due to the multitude of factors involved. Study abroad program providers and organizations frequently cite intercultural competence as a vital skill in the 21st century for all young professionals to build, and is often a goal of students to develop through their study abroad experiences. Before departure, some students may have a romanticized, grand vision of integrating themselves in a foreign culture and learning the language. Upon arrival, reality may prove to be quite different and students can get swept up in the novelty of living in a new environment and traveling with their new American friends from the same program. The vision of intercultural competence and foreign language acquisition gradually fades when realizing just how difficult they both are to achieve, especially in such a short time period. My hope is that this study can highlight issues that returned students of study abroad programs faced while abroad and can provide valuable insight for future study abroad participants into how to become more immersed in their host culture. By creating awareness of the merits of intercultural competence and the methods to develop it through study abroad, future students can become better equipped to have a more enriching experience. https://cultureasustudyabroad.wordpress.com/
ContributorsThoesen, Raquel Nathania (Author) / Scott Lynch, Jacquelyn (Thesis director) / Herrera Niesen, Carrie (Committee member) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05
Description
Studying abroad is one of the most transformative experiences in which a college student can participate. Students' ability to travel to a foreign country and immerse themselves in a different culture by attending school and living there for an extended period of time has the potential to change or alter students' perspectives of the world and highlight the importance of cultural diversity. It is important that students are mentally prepared before they commence on this adventure. The experience will only be extolled if the students understand how to participate in cultural engagement as well as feel safe when traveling in their respective country. A Guide to Cultural Engagement & Safety abroad aims to provide a more holistic preparation by presenting information in a different manner to appeal to different types of learning. With this additional preparation on the topics of cultural immersion and safety, students will hopefully be comfortable in their new environment from the beginning and dissipate fears or concerns beforehand. The guide is made up of ten video skits that builds upon existing resources by addressing some of the same topics in new formats as well as introducing new topics with an emphasis on safety, cultural engagement with locals, and cultural norms.
ContributorsBurke, Megan Marie (Author) / Scott, Jacquelyn (Thesis director) / Rausch, Kyle (Committee member) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-12