This study contributes to the much needed qualitative research on study abroad experiences. It
touches upon the impact the sojourns had on students upon repatriation from students’ perspectives. In
some respects Kelsey and Alex learned and took away more than they bargained for from their
respective study abroad sojourns, relating to themselves and others. Kelsey’s and Alex’s stories reveal
rich cultural experiences which have impacted their lives upon their returns home in different ways,
helping them appreciate the opportunities afforded them at home as well as increasing their awareness
of interculturality.
Ironically, both participants spoke about taking advantage of opportunities presented upon return
home, yet, the very act of taking advantage of an opportunity – study abroad – stemmed this awakening; they have come full circle. It was the fulfillment of an opportunity that inspired them to want to take advantage of opportunities. Years later, both continue to reflect on and be impacted by this experience and its social and international implications. This profound impact strongly supports the benefits study abroad opportunities offer, particularly in relation to its ability to foster intercultural competence. While both students endeavored to immerse themselves in the local language, this proved challenging and less than fruitful. They did, however, experience varied, rich cultural events which allowed them to expand their social and cultural awareness. Results cannot be extended to generalize technology use or impact of study abroad of students outside of North America (NA) as the dataset is too small and non-NA students were not included in this study. As both students were undergraduates; their experiences do not necessarily reflect those of students from other demographics. In retelling participants’ experiences, narratives strive to present the stories such that readers are almost experiencing the phenomenon themselves. These two narratives attempt to do so. More research is needed in this area to gain a fuller picture of today’s study abroad experiences, including technologies and post-study impacts. Future work could involve presenting narratives of more participants from the same study abroad trips; or different contexts. A stronger focus on technology use during these sojourns would also be of interest. Further research may see development of framework for successful intercultural study abroad programs which institutions could adopt to ensure student success and strengthen intercultural competence.
การศึกษานี้สนับสนุนประสบการณ์ต่างประเทศศึกษาวิจัยเชิงคุณภาพจำเป็นมาก มันสัมผัสตามผล sojourns ที่มีนักศึกษาตามค่าจากมุมมองของนักเรียน ในบางเคารพ Kelsey และ Alex ได้เรียนรู้ และเอา มากกว่าพวกเขาต่อในจากการศึกษาที่เกี่ยวข้องต่างประเทศ sojourns เกี่ยวข้องกับตนเองและผู้อื่น เปิดเผยเรื่องราวของ Kelsey และของ Alexวัฒนธรรมประสบการณ์ซึ่งมีผลกระทบต่อชีวิตของพวกเขาเมื่อพวกเขากลับบ้านในลักษณะต่าง ๆช่วยให้พวกเขาชื่นชมโอกาสนี่ที่บ้านรวมทั้งเพิ่มความตระหนักของของ interculturality แดกดัน ทั้งสองคนพูดเกี่ยวกับการใช้ประโยชน์จากโอกาสที่นำเสนอเมื่อคืนhome, yet, the very act of taking advantage of an opportunity – study abroad – stemmed this awakening; they have come full circle. It was the fulfillment of an opportunity that inspired them to want to take advantage of opportunities. Years later, both continue to reflect on and be impacted by this experience and its social and international implications. This profound impact strongly supports the benefits study abroad opportunities offer, particularly in relation to its ability to foster intercultural competence. While both students endeavored to immerse themselves in the local language, this proved challenging and less than fruitful. They did, however, experience varied, rich cultural events which allowed them to expand their social and cultural awareness. Results cannot be extended to generalize technology use or impact of study abroad of students outside of North America (NA) as the dataset is too small and non-NA students were not included in this study. As both students were undergraduates; their experiences do not necessarily reflect those of students from other demographics. In retelling participants’ experiences, narratives strive to present the stories such that readers are almost experiencing the phenomenon themselves. These two narratives attempt to do so. More research is needed in this area to gain a fuller picture of today’s study abroad experiences, including technologies and post-study impacts. Future work could involve presenting narratives of more participants from the same study abroad trips; or different contexts. A stronger focus on technology use during these sojourns would also be of interest. Further research may see development of framework for successful intercultural study abroad programs which institutions could adopt to ensure student success and strengthen intercultural competence.
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