STEM Undergraduate Students and Short-term Study Abroad Program: An Exploratory Study on Intercultural Competence

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  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division G - Section 1: Education and Place, Space, Time Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

This study explores the impact of a short-term, faculty-led, STEM-focused study abroad program on university students’ intercultural competence.The three-week program combined scientific fieldwork with immersion in local community and conservation initiatives. Through a retrospective pre-post survey, significant improvement was found in interaction confidence, engagement, and attentiveness when interacting with students from distinct cultures. Integrating faculty-led international research experiences into STEM study abroad programs offers promising implications for STEM education and intercultural sensitivity. Findings contribute to research on integrating STEM education with intercultural sensitivity, supporting recommendations for experiential, cross-cultural learning to foster both STEM literacy and intercultural skills. This highlights the role of transformative, place-based experiences in shaping student outcomes.

Keywords: Study abroad, intercultural sensitivity, STEM
 

Authors

• Margaret Gatongi, Virginia Commonwealth University

• John Fife, Virginia Commonwealth University