More Than a Field Trip: Integrating and Mediating Study Abroad Experiences in a Cultural Diversity Course

• In Event: Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: Transformative Social Justice Practices in Diverse Contexts

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a two-year, qualitative research study of the integration of short-term study abroad experiences in a cultural diversity course. Participants were enrolled in a traditional diversity course at the university and completed their coursework in a two-week study abroad experience. We look closely at our own pedagogical practices in an effort to better understand what constitutes meaningful experiences with diversity. Data for this study consisted primarily of 60 faculty-written pedagogical journals. Student-written journals, field notes, and post-travel interviews were also collected. Findings suggest study abroad experiences in conjunction with university coursework can serve as rich contexts to mediate the complexities of diversity. We will discuss specific pedagogical strategies for successfully moving students toward critical consciousness.

Authors

• Matthew Conley, Ohio Dominican University

• Michele Lynn Regalla, Ohio Dominican University