Talking with ‘Others’ Experiences and perspective transformation in a short-term study abroad program
Abstract
With the growth of short-term study abroad programs comes the need to develop impactful
curricula and to provide supportive environments for deep learning abroad that is
more than “upgraded” tourism but rather focused on educational outcomes. This qualitative
case study investigates the experiences of five study abroad participants in Israel.
Drawing from multiple data sources within an interpretive framework, the purpose of
this study is to understand student experiences abroad. Data was analyzed inductively
and thematically. Findings suggest that the holistic experience was anchored by (1)
directed and diverse conversations, (2) hermeneutical reflections, (3) emotional disequilibrium,
(4) intercultural competence development, and (5) student engagement in a classroom
culture, which acted together as a gestalt. Results highlight the importance of dialogue,
both with locals and within the classroom community, for transformative learning.
These findings encourage international educators to provide instructional frames that
encourage students to engage with local communities in critical ways.
Type
Journal articleSubject
study abroadIntercultural development
perspective transformation
transformative learning
intercultural sensitivity
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/22697Published Version (Please cite this version)
10.36366/frontiers.v33i2.484Publication Info
Chiocca, Emmanuelle Sarah (2021). Talking with ‘Others’ Experiences and perspective transformation in a short-term study
abroad program. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 33(2). pp. 35-60. 10.36366/frontiers.v33i2.484. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/22697.This is constructed from limited available data and may be imprecise. To cite this
article, please review & use the official citation provided by the journal.
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Show full item recordScholars@Duke
Emmanuelle Sarah Chiocca
Assist. Professor of Applied Linguistics and Int. Education at Duke Kunshan University
I specialize in the investigation of learning experiences that result in deep, broad,
and long-lasting transformation and intercultural competence development in international
educational contexts.

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