From "Voluntourism" To Reciprocity: A Critical Service-Learning Model For Ethical Study Abroad In Cadiz, Rayanna Townsend

Capstone Collection

This capstone proposes a semester-long study abroad program in Cadiz, Spain that integrates advanced Spanish language immersion, community-based service-learning, and structured intercultural reflection within an ethical, reciprocal framework. It responds to long-standing critiques of extractive and charity-oriented international education and is guided by the research question: How can service-learning study abroad programs be designed to foster reciprocal partnerships with host communities and mitigate harmful or extractive impacts, while supporting second language acquisition and intercultural learning for U.S. undergraduate students?

The program design is grounded in Critical Service-Learning, Fair Trade Learning, sociocultural theories of language acquisition, and developmental models of intercultural …

Global Pathways: Suwon, South Korea - Semester Abroad Program Proposal, Amanda D. Ledger

Capstone Collection

This capstone proposes the Global Pathways: Suwon program, a semester-long study abroad initiative developed in partnership between Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Kyonggi University (KGU) in Suwon, South Korea. The program responds to current limitations in study abroad, particularly the prevalence of short-term tourism-oriented experiences and curricula that prioritizes Western perspectives. A needs assessment consisting of student interviews, surveys, and professional consultation demonstrated strong interest in programs that combine language learning, cultural immersion, and career development. Findings also highlighted the importance of financial accessibility, reciprocal host partnerships, and ongoing advising support. Drawing on Freire’s critical pedagogy and Vygotsky’s sociocultural …

Global Pathways: Suwon, South Korea, Amanda D. Ledger

Capstone Collection

This capstone proposes the Global Pathways: Suwon program, a semester-long study abroad initiative developed in partnership between Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Kyonggi University (KGU) in Suwon, South Korea. The program responds to current limitations in study abroad, particularly the prevalence of short-term tourism-oriented experiences and curricula that prioritizes Western perspectives. A needs assessment consisting of student interviews, surveys, and professional consultation demonstrated strong interest in programs that combine language learning, cultural immersion, and career development. Findings also highlighted the importance of financial accessibility, reciprocal host partnerships, and ongoing advising support. Drawing on Freire’s critical pedagogy and Vygotsky’s sociocultural …

Digital Transformation In Jamaica's Education Sector, Grace Willis

Capstone Collection

Digital transformation in Jamaica’s education sector, significantly spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, represented a seismic shift on this small Caribbean island I call home. This transformation was central to national education reform and involved multiple projects aimed at modernizing educational delivery, infrastructure, and the supporting ecosystem. This study explored the multifaceted implications of these initiatives through qualitative research conducted with ten key stakeholders, complemented by a review of publicly available materials. Interviewees included school administrators, Information Technology (IT) teachers, funding sponsors, representatives from national education bodies, and international development agencies engaged in domestic strategic efforts. Participants were recruited through cold …

Bridging Cultures Beyond Borders: An Experiential Education Program For Exploring Third Places In Global And Local Contexts, Rachel Desmarais

Capstone Collection

While experiential education has gained popularity in recent years, options for experiential education opportunities unrelated to an international internship or service-learning program are relatively limited. Furthermore, opportunities to learn through engaging with third places in both one’s home community and host community are quite limited. The following proposed program aims to fill this gap by focusing on immersion in third places in one’s home community and the host community of Madrid, Spain. This program is also designed to address the need for experiential education that goes beyond traditional structures, offering students the chance to engage deeply with their environments. It …

Qualitative Tools To Enhance Data Analysis From Diverse Sources Of International Education Policy In Order To Create A More Perfect Evaluation Toolset, Robert J. Schulenburg

Capstone Collection

Abstract

This project proposes a new protocol for implementing meta-synthesis as a research tool. Meta-synthesis allows researchers to combine data sets from multiple sources that appear unconnected; it allows data sets to be extracted from multiple domains and knowledge banks that present as being unable to be combined or cross-transferable. This project presents a protocol designed to guide meta-synthesis which was used to extract critical relevant data from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to inclusive education and inclusive work and rehabilitation policies and practices. The project shows with deliverables how, with this data in hand, newly aggregated extracted data …

Let Us Break Bread Together: A Historical Analysis Of African American Chefs’ Influence On American Gastronomy, Danielle S. King

Capstone Collection

This Capstone project examines the historical impact of African American chefs on American gastronomy, highlighting their substantial contributions to the nation's culinary heritage from 1619 to 2024. By employing Jessica B. Harris's book High on the Hog as a foundation, the research identifies a critical gap in existing study abroad programs: the Black diaspora within the United States. The proposed four-week educational program aims to immerse participants in African American culinary heritage across four culturally rich cities: Charleston, South Carolina; New Orleans, Louisiana; Chicago, Illinois, and Oakland, California. With a community cultural wealth framework, the program integrates historical research, hands-on …

Beyond Borders And Binaries: A Queer Look At Study Abroad Advising For Lgbtq+ Students, Austin Smith

Capstone Collection

This study examines the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ students studying abroad, the practices of study abroad advisors in their support of LGBTQ+ students, and their alignment with one another. Findings from qualitative analysis of survey responses from LGBTQ+ students that have studied abroad in the past five years and interviews with current study abroad advisors suggest that study abroad advising practices can unintentionally reflect a deficit-oriented perspective, emphasizing risks and challenges LGBTQ+ students may face while abroad over strengths and resilience. However, advisors embrace equity-based practices that seek to address barriers and affirm LGBTQ+ identities within study abroad, even when …

Making The World A Better Place: Meaningful, Reciprocal Service Learning In Costa Rica, Nora Geer

Capstone Collection

Despite the countless benefits that international service learning can present to host communities and student service learners, current service learnings offerings for undergraduate students remain relatively limited in quantity and intentionality. Unless international service learning programs lead with reciprocity, meaning, and sustainability, their pitfalls may exceed their advantages, resulting in an industry that leaves both communities and student participants necessitating more. The following proposed program in Costa Rica plans to lead by example, remedying service learning’s greatest shortcomings by making community relationship building its utmost priority, emphasizing cross-cultural exchange between students and community members, and offering service projects that fill …

Exploring Self-Efficacy: Key Influences Shaping First Year Students’ Self Belief During Their First Semester Abroad, Isabella Lena Agostino

Capstone Collection

Guided by Albert Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, this research explores the four primary sources of self-efficacy—mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological and emotional states—and their impact on first-year students’ belief in their ability to navigate the challenges of studying and living in an international context. By examining the sources of self-efficacy, the study provides an understanding of the factors that support or hinder students’ self-efficacy during their transition and experience in a new environment.

Using a mixed methods approach, self-efficacy levels were assessed through the New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSE), followed by semi-structured interviews that provided qualitative insights into …

Community Health Worker Training In The Occupied Palestinian Territories: A Program Reflection, Jill Lyn Ridling, Jill Lyn Ridling

Capstone Collection

ABSTRACT

There exist many challenges concerning public health practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (oPt) as the Israeli occupation has created literal and metaphorical roadblocks preventing Palestinians from accessing needed health services outside their towns and villages. Trained Community Health Workers assist in bridging this crucial health service need throughout the oPt. This qualitative study evaluates the Palestinian Medical Relief Society’s (PMRS) Community Health Worker Program (CHWP) in the West Bank of occupied Palestine. The research explores three facets of Community Health Worker (CHW) training and their roles in Palestinian society. The first question addresses the CHWP training goals, curriculum, …

Study Abroad Impact In The Mid-Term: Influence On Professional Development In Japan, Alex Kerns

Capstone Collection

This mixed methods research study explores the impacts of studying abroad for Japanese individuals and examines how these experiences shape their professional development in the mid-term. This research also investigates whether there are any discernible generational differences in these impacts between older millennials and younger millennials. Data collection consists of a survey with seventeen participants and in-depth interviews with four participants. The findings suggest that participants reported that studying abroad had a transformative impact on both older millennials and younger millennials through the development of skills, including cross-cultural communication, cultural competence, global understanding, and language, and had a relatively positive …

A Global Journey Inward: Contemplative Education Abroad On A Short-Term Program In Finland, Tanya Kramer

Dissertation Collection

This study investigated the transformative potential of integrating subjective and intersubjective contemplative practices within a short-term, faculty-led education abroad program in Finland. Focused on addressing tensions arising from neoliberal and objective approaches to conventional Western higher education, the research explored how critical contemplative education abroad fostered deeper connections with Self, Others, and Place among students. Data collection involved analyzing course documents, facilitating two focus groups, conducting participant observations, and documenting researcher reflections. Employing the heuristic approach within a qualitative and spiritual research paradigm, the study identified three main findings: Experience of Place, Experiential Coherence, and Individual Perspectives within a Collective …

College Of Charleston (Cofc) Experiential Learning Program In Ghana, Spring 2024, Matthew J. Zittritsch

Capstone Collection

This study evaluates the impact and outcomes of an experiential learning program in Ghana for students with a declared business major or minor at the College of Charleston. The research focuses on the personal, academic, and professional growth experienced by program participants, as well as their immersion in Ghanaian culture and entrepreneurial experiences. The study utilizes the ADDIE model, encompassing the stages of Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate, to assess the program's effectiveness. The qualitative data collected provides a holistic overview of the participants' experiences and perceptions, allowing for the identification of areas of success and improvement. The findings …

Expanding Access To Undergraduate Higher Education For China's Ethnic Minority Populations, Yuqian Zhang, D. Eric Archer

Journal of Critical Global Issues

China has one of the world’s oldest and largest sets of minority affirmative action policies, which provide 125 million individuals from recognized ethnic minority groups with preferences in family planning, school admissions, employment, business financing and taxation, and financial subsidies. This paper aims to examine how China implements preferential policies for ethnic minority undergraduate applicants to its higher education institutions. Policies of preferential admissions in China are designed to compensate for inequalities in educational opportunity among different ethnic groups. This compensatory approach is based on the concept that equal treatment of differently situated groups may itself create inequality. Yet preferential …

Community-Based Organization (Cbo) Partnerships And Their Role In The Postsecondary Education Experiences Of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Students From One Public School District, Kristin Labs

Dissertation Collection

This qualitative case study explored the partnerships of the Public Education Foundation, a community-based organization (CBO), and how the CBO’s educational public private partnerships (ePPPs) affected the postsecondary education experiences of socio-economically disadvantaged students from a local public school district in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The research took a critical approach to understand the CBO’s role through partnerships and programs focused on creating access and opportunity to postsecondary education.

My study, informed by the neo-Marxist, socio-cultural reproduction, theory of fields, and cultural production theories, situates the CBO in a pivotal space in ePPPs to explore students’ postsecondary education experiences and demonstrates the …

Assessing The Relationship Between Intercultural Competence And Inclusion Competence: An Empirical Study Of Faculty At Higher Education Institutions In The United States, Casey Aldrich

Dissertation Collection

This dissertation explores the relationship between faculty’s intercultural competence and their inclusion competence within the context of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the United States. The construct of intercultural competence refers to effectiveness in engaging people across cultural differences, while inclusion competence focuses on competences critical for effective performance related to inclusive behavior. Studying these two constructs together provides insight into the potential of intercultural education to contribute to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts at US HEIs, especially in terms of fostering inclusive learning environments. Drawing from data collected using two psychometric assessments – the Intercultural Effectiveness Scale (IES) …

Linking Language Use Practices And Valued Teacher Capabilities: A Mixed Methods Study Of English-As-A-Foreign-Language Teacher Educators, Adeline De Angelis

Dissertation Collection

This mixed-methods study explored how much English-as-a-foreign-language teacher educators used English, Spanish, or a combination of those languages in teaching content courses (e.g., pedagogy, linguistics) and how their language use practices related to the teacher capabilities they most valued. Quantitative data was collected with a survey of 115 teacher educators from 21 Ecuadorian universities. Most participants reported teaching in English while incorporating some Spanish, usually in minimal amounts; most believed in minimizing Spanish. Ordinary least squares regression analysis indicated the amount of Spanish included related to teacher educators’ prioritization of teacher empowerment over accountability to standards and to teacher educators’ …

Whole Human Pedagogy: A Novel Framework For Education Abroad Praxis, Anna N. Kelly

Dissertation Collection

This dissertation theoretically derives and qualitatively explores a novel framework called whole human pedagogy for education abroad. Drawing on Thompson (2017) and hooks (1994), as well as decolonial theory and critical pedagogy, this dissertation sets forth whole human pedagogy with four tenets—embodiment, emotions, belonging, and becoming—which collectively provide a framework for designing and analyzing education abroad programs. This qualitative study collected data from seventeen practitioners who work with undergraduate, U.S.-based, outbound education abroad programs via semi-structured interviews about their perspectives on theory and practice regarding whole human pedagogy. Findings offer preliminary confirmation of whole human pedagogy’s applicability to education abroad …

The Role Of Education In Post-Conflict Kosovo: A Proposal For An Analysis Of How Experts Understand The Role That Education Has Played In Peacebuilding, Kristal Mitra

Capstone Collection

This study seeks to answer the following research question: What is the relationship between Kosovo's education system and the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia? This study uses a mixed purposeful sampling strategy that includes purposive sampling and snowball sampling. The researcher interviewed five different individuals from the following ethnic backgrounds represented in Kosovo which are one Bosnian, one Serbian, two Albanian Kosovars, and one Romani Kosovar. The results showed that education played many roles before, during and after the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia. Kosovo’s education system has historically been used as a tool to promote the political agendas of …

Education To Employment: The Role Of University Career Guidance In Reducing Youth Unemployment In Jordan, Anoushka Saraf

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This paper addresses the need for effective career guidance for university students, and sustainable post-graduation alumni support systems, to improve the employability of university graduates and reduce youth unemployment in Jordan. Through interviews and surveys, this paper will identify the key problems contributing to the skill mismatch between university graduates and the demands of the labor market. It will try and tackle how career centers can help their students develop soft skills like communication and teamwork, build a portfolio to differentiate themselves to employers, empower themselves with skills through online courses on software development, data science, research, and other technological …

The Radical Imagination: Exploring The Intersection Of The Youth-Led Climate Justice Movement And Education, Calla Sneller

Capstone Collection

This paper explores the crossover of the youth-led climate justice movement and education, utilizing The Experiment Digital Climate Change & the Environment as a case study to investigate this crossover globally and locally. A 6-week virtual exchange program designed to connect 100 high school students from 23 countries, The Experiment Digital Climate Change & the Environment aimed to equip youth with radical tools to address the scale of the climate crisis. The study drew on the neo-institutionalism and systems thinking approaches to globalization. Employing qualitative research methods, including a questionnaire and individual interviews, the findings revealed that international relationships improved …

Education Policy And Practice In Nepal: An Exploration Of Education Quality Of Private Primary And Secondary Education In Context Of A Decentralized Education System In Kathmandu, Nepal, Tashina Mcneil

Capstone Collection

As a strategy for improving the country’s education sector and meet national development initiatives, the government of Nepal has implemented decentralization measures. Similarly, the government has committed to the Sustainable Development Goal 4, the premise of which is ensuring by 2030 all Nepalese school aged boys and girls have access to quality education. Decentralization, as defined, is the transfer of authority over school management to local governments, the private sector, and local communities. Decentralization, however, is not a panacea for all and when incorrectly implemented the consequences can be deleterious.

Therefore, this study sought to answer this research question: In …

Australian-American Fulbright Alumni: An Analysis Of The Impact Of The Australian-American Fulbright Program On American Awardees, Maya Kozarsky

Capstone Collection

The Australian-American Fulbright Commission was established in 1949 in Canberra, Australia. Remarkably, the Commission had never before conducted an alumni impact report in its 72-year history. Thus, it was vital to carry out this study as soon as possible so as to hear from as many alumni as are willing and able to participate at this time. This study sought to answer the following research question: How have Australian Fulbright scholarships impacted the lives and careers of the American alumni? The research drew on the analysis of secondary survey data and through semi-structured interviews. The major findings of the study …

Supporting Lgbtq International Students Through Resource Visibility: Examining Washington State Community Colleges, Abigail Fredrickson

Capstone Collection

College is a time when many students begin exploring their sexual orientation and gender identity. Washington State, and Seattle in particular rank high in support for the LGBTQ community, according to the Municipality Equality Index put out by the Human Rights Commission. The schools that are represented in this study serve approximately 2,000 international students annually.

LGBTQ international students are a demographic that inhabits two minority groups – international students and LGBTQ students, and there is a lack of ongoing support and access to resources to aid these students in their personal growth during their time in community college. This …

Beyond Field Trips: Partnerships Between Schools And Tribal Museums, Lauren Cooke

Capstone Collection

This study emerged from a desire to understand how schools and tribal museums collaborate with one another to increase access to tribal museums for K-12 students. For this project, I had the opportunity to work with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Sky City Cultural Center & Haak’u Museum, and the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center to further understand each institution’s educational programming and partnerships. The question examined was, how do schools and tribal museums collaborate with one another to increase access to tribal museums for K-12 students? Interviews were conducted with staff members to discuss the work of these …

Foodways In Chile: A Bridge Back To Nature, Kayla Weiss

Capstone Collection

As the area of food studies continues to develop and evolve it has been recognized that, not only is food a necessity to life, but it is uniquely tied to understanding culture, history, and other aspects of a society. This study arose from recognizing this influence and importance and I took the opportunity to better understand how Birchwood College might be an optimal site for a short-term study abroad program based in food studies. I conducted a needs assessment through landscape research, surveying students, and interviewing food studies faculty and international educators at Birchwood College. The research findings offered insights …

Navigating The Necessary Evils: Contemplating The Topic Of Sustainability In Study Abroad, Megan Zacher

Capstone Collection

Travel is a defining feature of education abroad, instrumental in exposing students to experiences and countries beyond their campus community. The cultural exchange implied in travel aspires to benefit both host communities and students’ home institutions. However, education abroad has negative environmental impacts incongruent with many sustainability efforts. The education abroad sector aims to address this reality by advancing the use of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in program design and execution. In this study we conducted semi-structured interviews with representatives of higher education institutions, third-party study abroad providers, and professional associations to assess how stakeholders perceive this incongruency …

Virtual Free-Writing Journal Portfolios In An Intensive English Program In Iraq, Charles Mckinney

MA TESOL Collection

Middle-Eastern English language learners (ELLs), specifically Iraqi students, are often not well equipped to succeed in university settings where English is the medium of instruction (EMI) for their intended graduate and undergraduate studies. Oftentimes, they are weaker in their academic literacy skills, when compared to listening and speaking, and need extra scaffolding and/or remedial instruction to develop their reading and writing dexterity for overall academic success. One way to support their writing development is to implement free-writing journal projects that will enable them to cultivate an original writer voice, to think quickly and critically in the L2, and to integrate …

Leveraging The Dynamics Of The Mixed Level Classroom: A Materials Collection, Emily Hampston

MA TESOL Collection

A number of studies have noted the rise in student demographic diversity and the heightened significance of the mixed-level classroom; however, a consensus on the appropriate methods and materials to address these developments remains to be reached. Educators are anticipated to address the needs of students with a variety of abilities, backgrounds, and interests in a singular class. Less proficient students face overstimulation whilst more proficient students face understimulation. How can the challenges of the mixed-level classroom be recast into strengths? The mixed-level classroom environment calls for student investment, real language, and familiar processes. Methods such as peer tutoring, cooperative …