The Impact of Cultural Immersion Experience on Identity Transformation Process.

Gloria Onosu

doi:10.3390/ijerph18052680

Abstract

This study focused on understanding the cultural immersion experience of students who participated in Study Abroad Programs (SAP) and Global Service Learning Programs (GSL). The study looked at how the immersion experience impacted the participants’ view of self and others upon re-entry into their local community. Specifically, we applied the perspective transformation theoretical framework to analyze the extent to which participation in cultural immersion programs transforms students’ perceptions of self and others. The analysis of the semi-structured interviews suggested that by engaging in intentional immersion and guided reflections, participants became aware of the need to reevaluate their perspectives, expectations, and assumptions about self and others. We also found that there were differences in the way participants experienced the cultural immersion process and the impact it had on cultural awareness and self-identity.

Highlights

In gauging the effectiveness of cultural immersion program, much of the emphasis has been on measuring the development of program outcomes and competencies such as global awareness, global leadership, and cultural awareness [1,2,3,4]
Students, and faculty (n = 4) who had participated in a short-term study aboard program (SAP) or short term, credit based global service learning (GSL) curriculum. we digitally recorded the interviews and transcribed verbatim into a Microsoft Word document [30]
The study further offers an in-depth insight into the process and pathways through which the transformation of perception and self-identity occurs before, during, and after cultural immersion experience

Summary

Introduction

In gauging the effectiveness of cultural immersion program, much of the emphasis has been on measuring the development of program outcomes and competencies such as global awareness, global leadership, and cultural awareness [1,2,3,4]. A handful of studies have shown interest in researching the relationship that exists between cultural immersion participation and the process of identity transformation [9,10,11,12,13,14]. Despite this growing interest, there is little or no research that has studied the connection between participation in Global Service Learning, Study. This research moves beyond structural factors and examines the unique impact of participation in study abroad and global service learning on the transformation of self-identity and perceptions of others

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Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion