"Gaining a New Level of Sensitivity": School Leaders' International Cultural Learning Experiences

• In Event: Investigating School Leaders' Skills, Perspectives, Development, and Decision Making

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how an international cultural immersion experience influenced 13 school leaders’ culturally competent leadership development. An international cultural program was developed to respond to the need for learning Korean culture and education systems to support a sudden increase of Korean students and families in the Southeastern part of the United States. Participants’ applications, reflections, post-interviews, and field notes were analyzed to examine leadership development experiences. The findings revealed that participants’ international experiences not only helped them develop empathy for immigrant students but also assisted them in initiating new programs that broaden students’ global perspectives. Participants also reported that the international experience helped them develop a closer relationship with Korean students in their schools.

Author

• Jung Won Hur, Auburn University