This article is based on findings from my doctoral dissertation that investigated the narratives of former short-term study abroad (3-4 weeks) participants after they had settled back in their home country for one to two years. The theme of "sexuality," as it relates to the intercultural journey of study abroad, was a prominent theme…

Asian and Asian American students comprise 7.5% of all participants in U.S. study abroad, compared to 9% Hispanic, 4.7% African American or Black, and 71.2% White students. However, beyond one large-scale study of academic outcomes, only three studies--all with fewer than four participants--have investigated the study abroad experiences and…

The purpose of this pilot study was to build a theory to investigate how and what university students learn in informal settings of study abroad programs. The authors theorize informal learning as an interactive web of meanings constructed by learners in the process of their interactions. The process involved in constructing a grounded theory…

Chinese speakers are the second largest language minority group in the U.S., and transnational migration redefines their lives in many ways, including families' educational practices. This case study examined the English home literacy and language learning (EHLLL) practices of two transnational Chinese families during their year abroad while…

This study addresses the growing interest in transformative experiences in international academic tourism from a managerial and consumer perspective. While the managerial perspective focuses on delivering highly personalized experiences that profoundly impact each individual, the consumer perspective emphasizes inner transformation and personal…

This preliminary case study used qualitative methods to analyze the experiences of eight short-term education abroad participants prior to, during, and shortly after a two-week program in Taipei. Interpretive analysis of reflection papers, focus group interviews, mobile app assignments, and a post-program evaluation survey revealed that students…

This study attempts to contribute to marketing services in higher education literature through the relationship between international students' satisfaction with educational experiences and the necessary adjustments by institutions to augment their services. It also aims to make theoretical contributions by understanding the international…

Reflecting upon self-identity is important for teachers and teacher candidates, many of whom have different backgrounds from their multicultural, multilingual students. In this study I analyze data from cultural excavation activities completed by ten teacher candidates during study abroad in Peru, in which they critically reflected upon their own…

There are growing numbers of African international students studying at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in North America and the United Kingdom. Intercultural mentoring is one response to supporting students in navigating the complex cultural, social, and academic transitions from home to host countries. This article examines the experiences…

In recent years, improving the quantitative methods used to assess the effect of college, and particular college experiences, on student outcomes has received increased attention (e.g., Mayhew et al., 2016). In "How College Affects Students," Mayhew et al. (2016) highlighted the importance of issues of practical vs. statistical…

This dissertation study utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to understand the acculturation and sojourner experience of undergraduate Indian international students in the U.S. Midwest. Focusing exclusively on the lived experience of these students, this study engaged Berry's "Fourfold Model of Acculturation" (Berry,…

Upon encountering unfamiliar words or observing local practices in study abroad contexts, second language learners may discuss aspects of the target language and culture with their peers -- 'non-native' friends from the same cultural background or 'natives' of the target culture. Such mediations are instrumental in elaborating understandings, but…

Since the beginning of the 21st century, China's education for international students has seen rapid growth, making it the third largest destination for international students globally and the largest in Asia. This growth occurs against a backdrop of intensifying global economic competition and increasingly fierce competition for international…

The PhD students in this study create a sense of being at home as part of their own way of being themselves. Their programme requires and allows considerable autonomy in how they choose to be with the people around them. Different to common expectations of the 'international student', their nationality and its 'culture' being apart from the…

"Integrating Worlds" demonstrates how high-quality off-campus study epitomizes integrative learning, both supporting and enhancing the entire undergraduate experience. While off-campus study (both study abroad or study away) occupies a marginal position on most campuses, it has the almost unique capacity to bring together a high…