A Qualitative Investigation: A Short-Term Global Experiential Learning Program

Friday, April 26, 2013: 9:00 AM
202AB (Convention Center)
Hongwei Guan, Nicholas Quarrier and Yao Li, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY

Background/Purpose

With the trend of globalization in higher-education, many institutions are creating more opportunities for students to study abroad to increase their cultural competence and prepare them to be global citizens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a short-term study abroad program designed for college students of Health, Exercise Science and Physical Education related majors.

Method

Participants were thirteen undergraduate students who participated in a two-week short-term study abroad program in China. Two surveys were collected before and after the program. Students' assigned daily blogs were also included in the analysis. In addition, a graduate student plus an undergraduate student observed the program throughout the course and traveled with the group.

Analysis/Results

Intercultural competence was analyzed to assess how the goals of the study abroad program were fulfilled. Communication Accommodation Theory was utilized for the analysis of cultural awareness and student learning. PEST (a communication analysis tool) was used to assess how the study abroad program may meet its goals in a global environment. SWOT analysis was implemented to assess the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats to evaluate the operation of the program in details.

Conclusions

Overall, the China Study Abroad Program was effective in increasing student's cultural awareness. It offered a great cultural experience for students and they returned with life-long memories. Students not only learned a great deal about China, Chinese culture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, but also learned more about themselves. The course before traveling abroad is very important for preparing students for a successful international learning experience.