58.067 - Unequal Access and Cultural Intelligence: Global Student Engagement and Study Abroad Experiences

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The U.S. enrolls one of the largest percentages of international students (Institute of International Education, 2014), hosting over 900,000 from over 180 countries annually (Open Doors Report, 2014). However, research demonstrates that some students struggle with acculturation and cross-cultural communication, which may have devastating outcomes. Record numbers of U.S. students also study abroad, but the percentage of U.S. minority and economically disadvantaged students continues to lag. With shifting demographics, questions of educational access become paramount. Institutions are responsible for preparing students for global success through educational training, support resources, and adequate funding. Using qualitative methodology, case study analyses, interview and survey data, and auto-ethnographic reflection, this session proposes best practices and policy considerations for student development.

Sub Unit

• SIG-International Studies

Chair

• Roblyn Phillita Lewter, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Papers

• Cultural Intelligence and Higher Education's Response to Ensuring Global Success - Roblyn Phillita Lewter, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

• Redefining Global Access: A Case Study of Engineering International Student Engagement - Lori M. West, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Unequal Access to Global Service-Learning Courses - Gwen Bergner, West Virginia University

• Diversity and Intercultural Awareness: U.S. Minority Student Experiences in Study Abroad Programs - Dinah Armstead, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Discussant

• Lori M. West, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign