Immersive educational experiences are a form of experiential learning that typically involve intensive instruction, reflection, and exposure to complex social issues, often taking participants outside of their “comfort zones” to critically examine their own preconceived notions and biases. This chapter argues that well-designed, intercultural immersion experiences capitalize on key developmental areas in emerging young adults who are navigating diverse perspectives, exploring new identities, and searching for deeper meaning and responsibility. Emerging adults are primed to take advantage of such intercultural immersion opportunities, making even short-term experiences a viable option for intense personal reflection and growth. In addition to promoting healthy developmental pathways in young people, such experiences also benefit the civic well-being of communities by encouraging youth to become agents of social change.
