Critical Consciousness Raising About Global Economic Inequality Through Experiential and Emotional Learning

2020 ◽  
pp. 105382592097513
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Olcoń ◽  
Dorie J. Gilbert ◽  
Rose M. Pulliam
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Critical Consciousness ◽  
College Graduates ◽  
Emotional Learning ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Consciousness Raising ◽  
Global Citizens ◽  
Study Abroad Program ◽  
Economic Inequalities

Background: The ability to question global structures and analyze one’s own positionality in relation to economic, political, and social forces is essential for college graduates. Although study abroad programs claim to develop students into global citizens, most studies do not critically examine student learning about global inequalities. Purpose: This study analyzed the process of critical consciousness raising about economic inequalities through experiential and emotional learning. Methodology/Approach: It employed ethnographic observations, in-depth interviews, and written journals of 27 U.S. college students who participated in a Ghana study abroad program in years 2016–2018. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Findings/Conclusions: Witnessing and being emotionally affected by unjust global realities allowed students to question their actions and assumptions. Even though they seemed to have become more self-aware of their privilege and positionality, few of them questioned the global structures underlying economic injustice. Despite the limited analysis, they demonstrated inspiration to learn and do more. Implications: Moving beyond education’s traditional focus on students’ cognitive domain is crucial for critical consciousness raising about social injustice and global interconnections of oppression. Higher education should ensure a critical analysis of economic inequalities both abroad and in their own country.

scholarly journals Developing Global Competencies through International Teaching: Using Critical Cosmopolitan Theory to Compare Case Studies of Two Study Abroad Programs

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-120
Author(s):  
Erik Jon Byker ◽  
Tingting Xu
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Global Competencies ◽  
Global Citizens ◽  
Intercultural Awareness ◽  
International Teaching ◽  
Study Abroad Program

For students to become global citizens they need globally competent teachers. The purpose of this article is to describe and compare the development of global competencies in teacher candidates who participated in international teaching-focused study abroad programs. The article is framed by Critical Cosmopolitan Theory (Byker, 2013), which offers a lens for the development of global competencies through the fusion of critical consciousness (Freire, 1970) and cosmopolitanism (Appiah, 2010). In the field of teacher education, study abroad experiences can help enhance teacher candidates’ commitment to culturally responsive teaching practices (Gay, 2002) and intercultural awareness (Hammer, Bennett, & Wiseman, 2003). The article reports on two case studies of study abroad programs for U.S. teacher candidates. One case study focuses on a study abroad program in China (n=13) and the other case study focuses on a study abroad program in South Africa (n=22). The article compares the teacher candidates’ perceptions of their study abroad experiences in relationship to the development of global competencies.

Students’ motivations, perceived benefits and constraints towards study abroad and other international education opportunities

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamilla Curtis ◽  
John R. Ledgerwood
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
International Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
International Travel ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Study Abroad Program

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify students’ motivations and perceived benefits of engaging in study abroad programs, as well as challenges and missed opportunities. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was sent to random samples of students on two university campuses. Descriptive statistics and frequency analyses were conducted with the use of the SPSS data management software package. Findings Despite the majority of students having previous international travel experience and understanding the benefits of study abroad programs, most of them will not pursue the possibility to enroll in the study abroad programs. Contrary, most of respondents did express an interest to participate in international co-op/internship opportunities while attending the university. The study identified motivations, perceived benefits and constraints for students to enroll in study abroad programs. Research limitations/implications Further research using samples from different universities and colleges would present a more comprehensive picture of motivations, expectations and constraints. Practical implications Educators should promote study abroad program benefits and clearly identify the link between international experiences and future students’ employability. Study abroad programs can serve as important tool for increasing overall students’ retention and recruitment. Social implications In higher education, study abroad programs can serve as important tool for increasing overall students’ retention and recruitment. Originality/value This research uncovers students’ study abroad intent, interests, motivations, perceived personal and professional benefits and desired structure for the program. The findings provide insights into how administrators can enhance the value of the summer study abroad program offered by higher educational institutions.

scholarly journals Development of a Short-Term, Athletic Training and Public Health International Service-Learning Study Abroad Program to Nicaragua

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam B. Rosen ◽  
Christine C. Center ◽  
Jason D. Coleman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Study Abroad ◽  
Injury Prevention ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Learning Study ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Study Abroad Program

Context Study abroad programs are a key educational opportunity for athletic training students to grow in cultural competence. Yet, there are few faculty-led, study abroad programs specifically designed for athletic training community engagement in low-income nations. Objective To describe the process of developing and implementing a short-term athletic training and public health service-learning study abroad program to Nicaragua. Background Partnerships with a Nicaraguan partner institution aimed at creating sustainable study abroad programs for students from a variety of disciplines were initially explored. A short-term, study abroad program with athletic training and public health faculty was established based on the opportunities and benefits that it would provide to students, interests of host staff, and the accessibility to a local community. Synthesis Nine athletic training and exercise science students, composed mostly of graduate students, participated in the program in Nicaragua. Students worked with local soccer coaches and their student-athletes. Curriculum for the coaches included basic athletic injury prevention and management techniques including the Fédération Internationale de Football Association 11+ injury prevention protocol, concussions and head injury, heat illness and hydration management, nutrition and performance, and basic first aid. With the student-athletes, the group implemented injury prevention skills including the Fédération Internationale de Football Association 11+, proper heading techniques, and teamwork drills. Results Working with the Nicaraguan soccer players and coaches provided students important lessons in cultural competence, interprofessional education, communication, and patient care. Recommendation(s) As athletic training education shifts to a professional master's degree, it is important for educators to consider study abroad program length, structure, and student learning outcomes if they are interested in creating faculty-led programs. Conclusion(s) Athletic training study abroad programs, which provide students with opportunities for direct interaction with coaches and student-athletes, can provide students with beneficial learning opportunities. This program can offer a framework for those interested in offering short-term programs abroad.

scholarly journals The Short-Term “Bridge Model” Study Abroad Program: Peacebuilding in Latin America

2013 ◽  
Vol 46 (04) ◽  
pp. 791-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey D. Pugh
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
International Education ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Model Study ◽  
Bridge Model ◽  
Immersion Programs ◽  
Short Program ◽  
Objective Outcomes ◽  
Study Abroad Program

AbstractThe conventional wisdom about political science international education assumes that students choose between short “island” study abroad programs that are accessible but have only superficial impact, and longer immersion programs, achieving a greater effect. This article argues that well-designed study abroad programs can combine the best of both models to achieve significant impact even in a short program. It proposes a “bridge model” for reconceptualizing study abroad not as a discrete event with more or less impact on student learning, but as a key intervention that furthers a student's overall development within an internationalized curriculum. The article examines the case of a peacebuilding study abroad program in Ecuador. It measures alumni perceptions of impact, objective outcomes, and alumni network development. The key finding is that solid program design and structured cross-cultural interaction produces the type of long-term effect and networks traditionally associated with immersion programs.

scholarly journals Feeling Our Way: Emotions and the Politics of Global Citizenship in Study Abroad Programming

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-93
Author(s):  
Nicole Laliberté ◽  
Charlene Waddell
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Global Citizenship ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Student Responses ◽  
Political Implications ◽  
Shame And Guilt ◽  
Emotional Politics ◽  
Study Abroad Program ◽  
The Relationship

The terms ‘solidarity’ and ‘ethical travel’ were used to frame a one-week study abroad program to Guatemala. The students involved came from a Canadian university and were primed through pre-trip meetings and program materials to expect their trip to produce good feelings of connection and support. However, many of the students experienced bad feelings that were variously described as frustration, disappointment, shame, and guilt. In this paper, we take the ‘bad feelings’ of this trip seriously to understand the relationship between this study abroad program and the (re)production of privilege. Based on interviews with student participants, we identify a trio of emotional responses –shame/guilt, frustration/anger, and critical empathy– that highlight the variability of student responses and their political implications. We argue that this critical analysis of emotional politics is an underutilized tool for examining how study abroad programs can simultaneously (re)produce and challenge privilege.  

scholarly journals Broadening the ‘Environment’ in Social Work

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Boetto ◽  
Bernadette Moorhead ◽  
Karen Bell
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Study Abroad ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
International Study ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Critical Social Work ◽  
Study Abroad Program

Adopting a critical social work frame of reference, this paper explores the impacts and challenges of a two-week study abroad program to India on Australian social work students’ understanding of the environment in practice. Using a mixed methods approach, a small study was undertaken in 2011 involving pre and post-program surveys, as well as a facilitated reflective workshop to explore environmental social work.  Results are discussed and indicate the program had a positive impact on expanding students’ conventional socio-cultural understanding of the environment and global dimensions of environmental degradation.  Whilst this is positive and suggests some justification for the international study abroad program, other questions and challenges are raised relating to complex cultural issues and neo-colonial aspects of study abroad programs.

scholarly journals Development and Validation of the Wesleyan Intercultural Competence Scale (WICS): A Tool for Measuring the Impact of Study Abroad Experiences

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Stemler ◽  
Toshie Imada ◽  
Carolyn Sorkin
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Intercultural Competence ◽  
External Validation ◽  
Developmental Theory ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Competence Scale ◽  
Study Abroad Program ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

One of the most frequently cited aims of higher education institutions is to help students develop intercultural competence. Study abroad programs are a primary vehicle for helping to achieve this goal; however, it has been difficult to quantify their impact as most existing measures of intercultural competence rely on subjective self-report methods that are easy to fake and that suffer from ceiling effects when attempting to measure change over time. Building on Bennett’s (1986) developmental theory, the current paper describes a new test–the Wesleyan Intercultural Competence Scale (WICS)–that uses a situational judgment testing approach to measure the development of intercultural competence within the context of a study-abroad experience. A total of 97 study-abroad students from Wesleyan took the WICSalong with eight external validation measures and a background questionnaire. Thirty participants took the test at two time points–once at the beginning of a study-abroad program and once at the end. The results indicate that the WICShad strong evidence in support of its content, construct, and criterion-related validity. In addition, the WICSwas capable of detecting changes in the development of intercultural competence over time in a way that none of the other validation measures were. The substantive findings revealed that the amount of time spent speaking the local language and the number of different situations experienced were strong predictors of the development of intercultural competence. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Integrating Study Abroad in Teacher Education

2016 ◽  
pp. 601-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasemin Kırkgöz
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Study Abroad ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Teacher Educators ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Global Citizens ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Study Abroad Program

This chapter describes the design of an innovative ‘Study Abroad' curriculum to be integrated into teacher education departments. The curriculum is based upon the results of in-depth interviews administered to teacher candidates and/or practicing teachers of English following their return from a study abroad program. The curriculum is designed with a view to meeting the needs of prospective study abroad student teachers of English, and to address possible challenges that may result from their participation in such programs. The most innovative aspect of the curriculum is that it incorporates problem scenarios, and provides experiential hands-on practice. The curriculum comprises ten modules, each focused on a different topic. It is expected that the curriculum will enhance teacher educators' awareness of the contribution(s) study abroad makes to create global citizens, and increase teacher educators' knowledge about the learning needs of prospective study abroad student teachers.

Faculty Memoirs

2016 ◽  
pp. 370-396
Author(s):  
Devi Akella
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Business Graduates ◽  
Global Nature ◽  
Study Abroad Program

The global nature of a contemporary economy emphasizes the need for business graduates to possess a global perspective, cultural sensitivity and the knowledge of language and culture of more than one country. Consequently, faculty driven, short-term, university study abroad programs allow students the opportunity to step outside the classroom and learn about the world in a safe, controlled and faculty regulated environment. ‘Learn by going' (Keese & O'Brien, 2011) happens to be the most effective learning strategy. This chapter describes the experience of the author as an instructor and team member of a study abroad program to China. The author discusses the program, curriculum, pedagogies adopted, and learning outcomes of students. Critical reflections of her own involvement in this educational tour to China are also shared.

Integrating Study Abroad Curriculum in Teacher Education

2016 ◽  
pp. 177-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasemin Kırkgöz
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Study Abroad ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Teacher Educators ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Global Citizens ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Study Abroad Program

This chapter describes the design of an innovative study abroad curriculum to be integrated into teacher education departments. The curriculum is based upon the results of in-depth interviews administered to teacher candidates and/or practicing teachers of English following their return from a study abroad program. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of prospective study abroad student teachers of English and to address possible challenges that might result from their participation in such programs. The most innovative aspect of the curriculum is that it incorporates problem scenarios and provides experiential hands-on practice. The curriculum comprises ten modules, each focusing on a different topic. It is expected that the curriculum will enhance teacher educators' awareness of the contribution(s) study abroad makes to create global citizens and increase teacher educators' knowledge about the learning needs of prospective study abroad student teachers.

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