La Facultad de las Nepantleras: Bridges of Awareness and Connectivity Among Latinx Students Abroad

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Transforming Educational Equity for Latinx Students

Abstract

In this study using a plática methodology, we explored the conversational reflections of Latinx students on a critical study abroad program in central Mexico. Our research question was What happens when Latinx students reflect on their experiences, particularly the darker, shadow experiences, through pláticas while on a short-term study abroad? We frame our study within border theory, Chicana feminism, and theory of ambiguous loss. Our data analysis revealed two primary findings: la facultad (gift of awareness) and conexión (connectivity). The students’ facultad included experiences of their guilt, ambiguous loss, and grief. The second finding is the students’ experience of connection with themselves, their language, culture, and identity, the group, and with their families, in spirit and in the flesh.

Authors

• Jyoti H Kaneria, Georgia State University

• G. Sue Kasun, Georgia State University

• Beth Marks, Kennesaw State University