Title: The extent of students' cultural immersion during study abroad programs: implications for cross-cultural learning

Authors: Agnieszka Chwialkowska

Addresses: Department of Marketing, Richards College of Business, University of West Georgia, 1601 Maple St, Carrollton, GA 30117, USA

Abstract: While travel broadens the mind, not every study abroad program is planned in a way that helps increase students' cross-cultural competence. Study abroad programs can involve immersion in the local community, lectures at host institutions, and company visits, but some are reduced to organised sightseeing trips. They also vary in length (one-week-long intensive international programs vs. year-long exchange study programs). Based on the insights from nearly 100 participating students and staff working at international offices, this research aims to identify components of study abroad programs that help increase cross-cultural competence and prepare internationally-minded graduates. The data was collected through interviews and personal essays.

Keywords: study abroad programs; intensive international program; exchange study program; intercultural competence; cross-cultural skills.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEXPORTM.2021.119495

International Journal of Export Marketing, 2021 Vol.4 No.3, pp.282 - 305

Received: 21 Jun 2021
Accepted: 09 Aug 2021
Published online: 07 Dec 2021 *

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