Developing intercultural awareness from short-term study abroad: insights from an interview study of Japanese students

Developing intercultural awareness among participants is an objective of many short-term study abroad (SA) programmes. However, such programmes often focus on essentialist 'target' national culture learning. Moreover, simplistic evaluation of intercultural development risks the decontextua...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Language and intercultural communication 2021-03, Vol.21 (2), p.260-275
Main Authors: Humphreys, Gareth, Baker, Will
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
College Students
Cultural Awareness
Cultural differences
Cultural Pluralism
English (Second Language)
Foreign Countries
intercultural awareness
Intercultural communication
intercultural development
Intercultural education
Learning Experience
Multiculturalism & pluralism
Multilingualism
Outcomes of Education
Program Descriptions
Second Language Instruction
Second Language Learning
short-term study abroad
Student Attitudes
Study Abroad
study abroad research
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Summary:Developing intercultural awareness among participants is an objective of many short-term study abroad (SA) programmes. However, such programmes often focus on essentialist 'target' national culture learning. Moreover, simplistic evaluation of intercultural development risks the decontextualisation of personally meaningful learning in experiences abroad. This qualitative interview study investigated intercultural development, conceptualised through intercultural awareness (ICA), among 15 students who took part in programmes in diverse locations. Thematic analysis revealed varying experiences and highlighted the importance of multilingual and multicultural programmes for meaningful ICA development. Preparation for short-term SA needs to recognise linguacultural diversity and move away from essentialist target culture learning.
ISSN:1470-8477
1747-759X
DOI:10.1080/14708477.2020.1860997