Balancing Skill Application With Cross-Cultural Contexts in International Travel Programs

• In Event: 31.070 - Global Impacts on Higher Education and Teacher Preparation

Abstract

In this study of a U.S.-based International MBA program, Walker uses a mixed-methods approach to examine the effectiveness of experiential learning in the required travel component of the curriculum. She begins by exploring the tension among administrators about what is the ‘right’ learning outcome for experiential travel programs-a successful result on an action-learning project, or an in-depth understanding of the cultural contexts of business in that society, and compares their views with the actual experiences of students. The quantitative findings support the overall effectiveness of international travel in building strong global mindset among students, while the qualitative data reveals that students benefit most by international travel programs that blend both skill application with understanding cross-cultural contexts of business.

Author

• Jennie Walker, Thunderbird School of Global Management