Forging multicultural sensitivity: How short-term study abroad experiences can help college students engage in a global society

Research Article

Authors

  • Arisha Andha New Jersey City University
  • Peri Yuksel New Jersey City University
  • Frank Nascimento New Jersey City University

Keywords:

Faculty-led study abroad, student international travel, cultural sensitivity, global awareness, study abroad in higher education, internationalisation of curriculum

Abstract

Transformative learning about global matters is becoming an important institutional mission for planning in the 21st century. Structured faculty-led programs may offer students a greater sense of society and global mindedness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cultural sensitivity of students who participated in a one-week faculty-led spring break trip (Travelers) versus students who did not participate in study abroad experience (Non-travelers). We administered an adapted version of the Cultural Diversity Assessment Inventory (CDAI) to 67 students enrolled in an ethnically diverse urban university, assessing the following areas: a) creating a multicultural society, b) cultural awareness, and c) cross-cultural communication. Results show that Travelers are more aware of their role in society and seem to be more responsive to multicultural and global concerns than Non-travelers. Pedagogical aspects of faculty-led trips for experiential learning will be further discussed.

Author Biographies

Peri Yuksel, New Jersey City University

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology

Frank Nascimento, New Jersey City University

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology

Published

2020-05-15

How to Cite

Andha, A. ., Yuksel, P. ., & Nascimento, F. . (2020). Forging multicultural sensitivity: How short-term study abroad experiences can help college students engage in a global society: Research Article . FIRE: Futuristic Implementations of Research in Education, 1(1), 13-21. Retrieved from http://www.firejournal.org/index.php/fire/article/view/8