ERIC Number: EJ1186861
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Sep
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8259
EISSN: N/A
Locating Self in Place during a Study Abroad Experience: Emerging Adults, Global Awareness, and the Andes
Journal of Experiential Education, v41 n3 p295-311 Sep 2018
Background: College students generally participate in study abroad experiences (SAE) at times of identity and value development as emerging adults. SAE has been criticized as perpetuating colonial acts through the project of globalization. Purpose: This research examined how participants construct meaning about place(s) and how this meaning relates to their sense of self during a 3-week expedition-style SAE in the Bolivian Andes. Methodology/Approach: SAE included place-based learning activities, cultural immersion, service projects, adventure travel, and two concurrent academic courses. Data were gathered from eight participants through written journal assignments, researcher observations, and field notes. Findings/Conclusions: Five themes emerged: personal growth, a multiplicity of meaning, privilege and global perspective, an urban-rural effect, and a taste for more. The social context and comfort--discomfort continuum are discussed as influencing factors. Implications: Findings suggest a place-based SAE can influence value formation and reflective practice of emerging adults. While findings echo SAE as a privileged experience, the question of latent effects of SAE on emerging adult social justice perspectives is raised.
Descriptors: Study Abroad, Place Based Education, Cultural Awareness, College Students, Self Concept, Global Approach, Adventure Education, Outdoor Education, Program Descriptions, Learning Activities, Service Learning, Travel, Student Journals, Student Attitudes, Individual Development, Values, Social Justice, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Bolivia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A