Education Commons^™

A Catalyst For Learning Or Reinforcement Of Inequities: Using A Critical Hope Lens To Understand The Potential And Limitations Of Short-Term Study Abroad In Fostering Students’ Ability To Effectively Interact Across Differences, Gudrun Nyunt, Elizabeth Niehaus, Mac Benavides

Department of Educational Administration: Faculty Publications

Study abroad is often hailed as a unique and important learning experience that fosters students’ ability to engage in effective and appropriate interactions in a variety of cultural contexts. Scholars, however, have not only questioned the learning that occurs in study abroad but have also highlighted problematic aspects such as the potential miseducation of participants and harm to host communities, particularly for short-term study abroad (STSA) experiences. Utilizing the lens of critical hope, the purpose of this study was to critically assess the potential of STSA in fostering cross-cultural learning, while also examining its limitations and potential harm. Based on …