Cross-Cultural Preparation for Language Study Abroad

ADFL Bulletin ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-82
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Language Study

scholarly journals Study Abroad Objectives and Satisfaction of International Students in Japan

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Hennings ◽  
Shin Tanabe
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Study Abroad ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Term Study ◽  
Short Term Study ◽  
Cultural Skills

Many Japanese universities have created short-term study abroad programs with the aim of offering a satisfying study abroad experience to international students. Based on a survey of 131 international students, this paper analyzes these students’ objectives and their relation to student satisfaction. As the results show, many students regard their experience of living in Japan as more important than their academic pursuits. Furthermore, for students with prior knowledge of Japanese, improving language skills tends to result in higher satisfaction, while for students who do not speak the local language, achieving cross-cultural skills is a major factor for having a satisfying experience.

Maximizing Cross-Cultural Learning From Exchange Study Abroad Programs: Transformative Learning Theory

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 535-554
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Chwialkowska
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Cultural Learning ◽  
Transformative Learning Theory ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Exchange Programs ◽  
Exchange Study ◽  
Travel Abroad

While some institutions require their students to spend a semester abroad as a prerequisite to earning a business degree, academics challenge the view that travel abroad helps students become culturally competent. Many students admit that they failed to immerse themselves in a cross-cultural environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the components of exchange study abroad programs (ESP) that facilitate student cross-cultural learning (CCL). Building on transformative learning theory (TLT), we propose and test a conceptual model of relationships between different components of exchange programs and student CCL. The data collected from more than 700 students participating in a semester and two-semester-long programs are analyzed through logistic regression. This research contributes to the literature on the effectiveness of ESP by identifying the key components that maximize positive outcomes for students. By building on TLT, it reveals the importance of getting out of one’s comfort zone and providing students with support during the ESP. This study bears practical implications as it provides academic institutions and students with important insights that help maximize student CCL.

“Gender Utopias?”: U.S. Student Reflections on Studying Abroad in Norway and Sweden

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristjane Nordmeyer ◽  
Trisha Teig ◽  
Nicole Bedera
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Film Industry ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
Studying Abroad ◽  
Members Of Parliament ◽  
Progressive Policy ◽  
Student Reflections ◽  
Teaching Ideas

This article describes a study abroad experience in Norway and Sweden that was designed to explore gender equality in two of the world’s most gender-progressive countries. Course readings explored the work of feminist sociologists and asked students to think critically about gender equality from a cross-cultural perspective. Students met with leaders in Norway and Sweden who are involved in creating gender-progressive policy and culture, including members of parliament, representatives in the film industry, and social policy experts. Student pre-trip and post-trip responses to writing prompts and trip reflection journals demonstrated the development of an intersectional approach to thinking about gender equality. While some aspects of gender equality were anticipated before the trip, other issues of equality only became evident through our discussion with gender leaders in Scandinavia. This article shares major themes from student reflections and discusses teaching ideas for future study abroad trips.

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