Cultural Exchange Program Research Articles

Enhancing Cross-Cultural Understanding: The Role of Digital Platforms in Cultural Exchange for Chinese Graduate Students at Northwestern University

The rapid growth of digital platforms has reshaped the educational-rich landscape, introducing dynamic ways of cultural exchange that transcend traditional boundaries. This paper explores the unique potential of online cultural exchange to promote cross-cultural understanding and community building for students, with a special focus on Chinese graduate students in Northwestern University during their short spring break. As global connectivity increases, it becomes increasingly important to leverage these digital tools to facilitate meaningful cultural interactions. This study argues that social media platforms play a key role in this effort, enabling students to engage in cultural exchange activities that are both convenient and impactful (Abbas et al., 2019). Integrating digital tools into educational and cultural environments has revolutionized the way students interact with different cultural experiences. Social media platforms, in particular, offer unparalleled opportunities for students to connect with peers from different cultures, share knowledge and engage in collaborative activities. These platforms provide a flexible and accessible means for students to immerse themselves in cultural learning outside of geographical constraints. Moreover, the interactivity of social media fosters a sense of community and common purpose, which is essential for successful cultural exchange programs. While there are many advantages to using social media for cultural communication, there are also significant challenges that need to be addressed. The potential for distraction, information overload, and reduced face-to-face interaction could undermine the effectiveness of these platforms in educational Settings. In addition, given the differences in social media usage patterns among different demographic groups, such as gender differences, it is critical to ensure that programs are inclusive and effective. This article aims to explore these complexities and offer solutions to maximize the benefits of social media while mitigating its drawbacks.

Enhancing Cultural Intelligence and Global Competency in Marketing Education: a Comparison Between Study Abroad and Host Country Students

ABSTRACT A study abroad program offers numerous benefits and holds significant importance in a student’s educational and personal development. It offers a transformative and enriching experience that can positively impact a student’s personal, academic, and professional life. We propose a short-term study abroad and cultural exchange program where one of the main focuses is to create an opportunity for study abroad students to interact and collaborate with people from a different culture (host country students). American students spent 2 weeks with Thai students attending lectures, group discussions, and activities to learn about international marketing and sustainable tourism in Thailand. This study examines the effects of this program on student’s cultural intelligence, global competency, openness to diversity, and learning. It also compares the differences between these two groups to offer more insights. The results show that American study abroad students showed higher cultural intelligence, global competency, and openness to diversity after the program completion, whereas Thai host country students did not show any significant changes.

The Impact of Hu’s Music Diplomacy on Mongolia’s Tourism National Branding Program

This study aims to analyze the impact of Hu's music diplomacy on Mongolia's national branding program. The study employs a descriptive qualitative method with secondary data analysis from journal articles, books, relevant reports, and media covering The Hu's activities. The results indicate that The Hu, with their unique approach of combining traditional Mongolian music elements with modern rock, has successfully raised global awareness of Mongolian culture and enhanced the country's positive image. Their international performances received awards, and collaborations with renowned musicians have introduced Mongolian cultural elements to a wider audience, creating curiosity and appreciation for Mongolia's cultural heritage. Strategic recommendations include greater government support, enhanced collaboration with digital platforms, and educational and cultural exchange programs.

Trade dependence and cultural distance: An analysis of economic interactions and humanistic exchanges between China and ASEAN countries

AbstractThis study examines the influence of trade dependence, encompassing both export and import dependence, and economic dependence on cultural distance within the context of China and ASEAN countries from 1995 to 2020. Employing random‐effects models and, we investigate the impact of these dependencies on cultural distance and explore the moderating effects of humanistic exchange. Our findings reveal that trade dependence, export dependence, import dependence, and economic dependence exert negative effects on cultural distance between China and ASEAN countries. These findings are supported by the robustness test. We further analyze the moderating effects of humanistic exchange on the relationship between trade dependence, economic dependence, and cultural distance, confirming significant moderating effects specifically for trade dependence. Additionally, we observe that regional trade agreements and cultural exchange programs have heterogeneous effects on the relationship between trade and economic dependence and cultural distance, particularly among China and ASEAN countries with established agreements and programs.

“As a Muslim…”: on the importance of intercultural responsibility in transnational cultural exchanges

Abstract Cultural exchange is increasingly becoming an essential activity of higher education as the world continues to experience widespread ethnocentrism because of war, migration, political provocation, and nationalism. Research in areas related to cultural exchange have also increased with the rise of teacher and student mobility, leading to an exciting body of scholarship. Several aspects of intercultural communication, however, remain under-researched in the study of cultural exchange. One such example is intercultural responsibility. The current study adds to this body of work by investigating how Muslim students that were part of a cultural exchange program in Thailand used notions of intercultural responsibility to make sense of their encounters and identities. The findings show that national and religious identities are both barriers to, and resources for, intercultural communication in general, and the social practices of Muslim students in particular. Intercultural responsibility is important to scholars and educators, as it can empower students to become agentive in their participation in intercultural communication, allowing them to reflect on and utilize their linguistic, cultural, and historical repertoire when interacting with individuals and communities that do not share their same cultural traditions and practices.

Practices of Cultural Exchange Special Education Teachers on Teacher Buddy System: A Phenomenological Study

This comprehensive study examines the practices of the Teacher Buddy System for Cultural Exchange Special Education Teachers, who play a crucial role in addressing the diverse needs of students with disabilities. The system provides a valuable platform for Filipino special education teachers to engage in peer-to-peer support and collaboration with their international counterparts, allowing them to gain insights into international best practices and approaches. Employing a phenomenological research design, the study gathers data through interviews to understand how the Teacher Buddy System influences participants' professional development, cultural competence, and teaching methodologies. It also explores the perceived benefits and challenges experienced by Filipino Special Education Teachers in the Cultural Exchange program. Preliminary findings reveal that the Teacher Buddy System significantly enhances cultural understanding, fosters effective teaching practices, and creates a robust support network among special education teachers. However, challenges related to communication and limited resources persist. The implications of this study are considerable, providing insights into improving the experiences of Cultural Exchange Special Education Teachers and the overall effectiveness of the Teacher Buddy System. The findings underscore the potential of cross-cultural collaboration to enrich mentoring practices, ultimately benefiting students with diverse learning needs. The study concludes with recommendations aimed at strengthening the Teacher Buddy System's sustainability and impact, promoting continuous professional growth, and enhancing cultural competence among Cultural Exchange Filipino special education teachers, thereby supporting their critical role in the education system.

Cultural Diversity under Sino-Myanmar Policies: Local Policies to Promote Cultural Expression and Diversity

This study investigates the complex Sino-Myanmar connection and how local policies might promote cultural diversity. The mixed-methods research combines qualitative community, cultural, and policymaker interviews with quantitative policy data analysis. The comprehensive approach provides a deep understanding of cultural diversity, local regulations, and Sino-Myanmar relations. Based on this research, municipal policies can empower communities to freely and inclusively display their cultures. By valuing cultural diversity, genuine cultural interaction and contact between diverse groups can improve Sino-Myanmar relations. This study investigates cultural diversity through local policies and lived experiences to shed light on Sino-Myanmar relations and suggest strategies to improve cooperation. The research’s practical implication affects policymakers, diplomats, and practitioners who manage international relations, especially between neighbors. Culture-oriented thinking considers cultural exchange programs diplomatic tools. Geographic closeness affects cultural contact; hence community is addressed. This highlights cultural exchange programs' diplomatic relevance. According to research, diplomatic endeavors should adapt to cultural changes during political and social change. Policymakers can stabilize domestic politics using cultural diplomacy.

Factors Affecting Diasporic Women's Quality of Life: A Systematic Review.

This literature review assesses the factors that influence the quality of life of migrant women in the diasporic with the goal of improving their quality of life and creating more supportive social adjustment in the public health field. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched the databases of Scopus, PubMed, SAGE journal, Springer, and Google Scholar for scientific articles on the quality of life of diasporic and migrant women. We screened and removed duplicates, analyzed the full text of the articles to identify potentially relevant studies, and extracted data from matched articles. The literature search yielded 34 articles. Only 10 articles that met all inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review after peer review. The literature shows that the quality of life of diasporic women is influenced by four main factors: sociodemographic predictors, social adjustment predictors, health-related predictors, and psychological predictors. Identifying them is important to improve quality of life and find the right solutions to improve the quality of life of marginalized groups in society. To improve the quality of life for diasporic women, I suggest implementing government policies such as language education, vocational training, stronger protection laws, and better healthcare access. Additionally, establishing cultural exchange and networking programs is crucial for fostering cultural understanding.

Cultural Globalization and Education Strategy to Develop Cultural Literacy and Digital

The globalization of culture and education has had a significant impact on how people and communities engage, learn, and prosper. This globalization process facilitates a faster and broader exchange of cultural concepts, values, and customs through digital tools, enhancing global perspectives and increasing the availability of a wide variety of educational materials. Within this framework, cultural and digital literacy is increasingly important as a key skill that individuals need to have in today's world. Cultural literacy includes awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity, along with the capacity to communicate and engage effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. On the other hand, digital literacy involves the skills to utilize information and communication technology in a professional and ethical manner. Literacy advancement requires an approach that is embedded in the academic syllabus, incorporates the use of digital tools for education, and highlights the teaching of values such as tolerance, empathy, and acceptance of cultural differences. Strategies to increase cultural and digital literacy consist of: (1) Increasing accessibility and utilization of digital tools in education, (2) Combining project-based learning with international and cross-cultural collaboration, (3) Providing professional development for educators in using inclusive technologies and teaching methods, and (4) Advocate for cultural and virtual exchange programs to provide students with first-hand experience of global cultural diversity. Therefore, cultural and digital literacy not only increases individual capacity to adapt to changes in globalization but also forms a society that is more inclusive and ready to face future challenges.

A Case Study Investigating the Relational Well-Being of International Students at Hohai University Nanjing, Jiangsu Province of China.

This study acknowledges the growing importance of international student mobility and examines the relational well-being of international students at Hohai University in Nanjing, China. Understanding the complexities of interactions among international students is essential for their well-being and the university's overall success, since this tendency continues to increase. By examining the distinct possibilities and problems faced by international students at Hohai University and considering elements including cultural distinctiveness, the campus environment, interpersonal dynamics, and support networks, the study fills a research void. For this purpose, 150 international students at Hohai University participated in semi-structured interviews and 10 participants participated in unstructured interviews as part of the mixed-methods approach to obtain in-depth information. Hence, the descriptive data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative analyses were performed using NVIVO. According to preliminary findings derived from quantitative data, important results emphasize the significant impact of homesickness (0.143, T value: 5.931) and the positive correlation of relational well-being (0.146), highlighting their significance. The effect of the language barrier is also significant (0.125, T value: 4.378), whereas loneliness has little bearing (0.011, T value: 0.847). Additionally, the highest concern of the international students (M = 8.35; SD = 1.43) was making connections with local students. Additionally, (M = 8.21; SD = 1.15) international students favored Hohai University, which provided a welcoming atmosphere for intercultural dialogue. The Foreign Student Office, social events, cultural exchange programs, counseling services, and peer support networks are just a few examples of the support structures and networks crucial to international students' general well-being. At the same time, the cultural hurdles, including the language barrier and loneliness, seemed to be the challenge. The study concludes by shedding light on the relational well-being of international students at Hohai University and highlighting the importance of community-building and supporting actions. The results provide insightful information that will help the institution better respond to the particular difficulties that international students encounter, creating a more welcoming and stimulating atmosphere. This study establishes the foundation for further research in comparable contexts and advances our understanding of relational well-being in the context of experiences for overseas students.

The Impact of Cultural Contact on Exchange Students’ Foreign Language Development

It is well-known that participating in a cultural exchange program brings about many personal, social, academic, and professional benefits for the exchange student. One of those benefits is improving the student’s foreign language. The current study, therefore, aims to investigate how cultural exchange student programs lead to the improvement of students’ language skills, in particular, and overall language fluency and proficiency, in general. The data was gathered through a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. 16 Moroccan exchange alumni from the YES (Youth Exchange Scholarship) program were recruited using snowball sampling to take part in the study and evaluate how their proficiency in English has progressed thanks to the ten months of cultural exchange they have spent in the host country and the most helpful activities that helped them improve their language skills. Then seven of them were selected to give more insights into this language improvement. The data from the questionnaire and the interviews showed that students relied on different activities to further improve their productive and receptive skills making use of the contact they had with native speakers in the host country. Moreover, the data revealed a significant improvement in the students’ language proficiency and language fluency.

Precarious labour geographies of working holiday makers: querying sustainability

The boundaries between tourism and migration are blurry. This blurring has been beneficial for the governments of wealthy countries enabling them to import a large and flexible temporary workforce that can be directed toward regions and industries where there are labour shortages. Such is the case with the Australian Working Holiday Program (AWHP); a historically tourism-focused cultural exchange program that began in 1975. Since the 1990s, the Australian Government has leveraged the AWHP to support several of Australia’s critical industries. This has been achieved through the tweaking of mobility infrastructures that link Working Holiday Makers’ (WHMs) ability to stay in Australia to employment conditions. Such conditions increase precarity among WHMs, directing them towards remote regions and industries where there are evident labour shortages. While these mobility infrastructures significantly benefit Australia’s economy, they result in WHMs being highly vulnerable to exploitation. Such vulnerability is layered with WHMs from less wealthy, non-English-speaking countries facing the highest levels of vulnerability. This study investigates the way mobility infrastructures in the AWHP influence WHMs’ mobilities, as well as how such mobilities are experienced in uneven and unjust ways. There is urgency to interrogate the role that such programs play in contributing to unjust mobilities, and to query the attendant implications for sustainability.

Student Leadership Qualities through Academic Sports Diplomacy and Qualities

This research investigates the field of academic sports diplomacy, with a specific emphasis on the leadership abilities and levels of involvement exhibited by student-athletes. By conducting a thorough analysis, this study reveals valuable insights regarding the evaluation of leadership skills in student-athletes across different dimensions. These dimensions encompass modeling the way, encouraging the heart, enabling others to act, challenging the process, and inspiring a shared vision. Furthermore, this study investigates the level of involvement of student-athletes in academic sports diplomacy. This includes activities such as student-athlete exchanges, international sports competitions, cultural sports exchange programs, international sports projects, and cross-country competitions. The research emphasizes a positive relationship between leadership abilities and involvement in sports diplomacy initiatives, emphasizing the significance of leadership training in promoting active engagement. Furthermore, this study illuminates important challenges encountered by student-athletes, including limitations on time, gaps in awareness, the necessity for skill development, the juggling of competing priorities, the importance of cultural comprehension, and the significance of collaborative efforts. The results of this study provide valuable insights for the creation of strategies and programs that aim to empower student-athletes in their role as effective representatives of sports diplomacy. These initiatives seek to foster cultural connections and inspire positive global transformations.

The impending disruption of digital nomadism: opportunities, challenges, and research agenda

ABSTRACT This research maps the landscape of digital nomadism research (DNR), elucidating key topics, themes, challenges, opportunities, and socio-economic, environmental, cultural, and demographic impacts. The United States has emerged as a leading force in DNR, with significant collaborations between the United Kingdom and France. The World Leisure Journal is identified as the top-performing journal. Thematic clusters encompass remote work and technology, flexibility and autonomy, work-life integration, community and networking, global citizenship, economic impact, and skill development, aligning with multiple sustainable development goals(SDG). Moreover, the research explores digital nomadism's sociocultural, environmental, economic, technological, and demographic impacts, emphasizing community engagement, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure development to mitigate environmental impact and promote positive outcomes. Success hinges on community engagement, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure development, promising reduced environmental impact through sustainable practices and fostering positive outcomes. Strategic regulation and community integration are crucial for leveraging global talent access and entrepreneurship. The study underscores the need for supportive policies aligned with family-building aspirations and recommends collaborative efforts to integrate digital nomadism with SDGs through eco-friendly coworking spaces, global citizenship programs, skill development initiatives, and cultural exchange programs. This research offers insights into the dynamic landscape of digital nomadism, guiding future research endeavors.

THE CROSS-CULTURAL SENSITIVITY OF IISMA AWARDEES: A NARRATIVE INQUIRY

Objective: This research aims to understand the influence of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Award (IISMA) program on the cross-cultural sensitivity of ITS scholarship recipients based on their experiences and stories during the program. Method: The research design for this study is narrative inquiry. Five scholarship recipients at a university in Madrid were asked to narrate their experiences through semi-structured interviews. The emerging themes indicate the extent to which the IISMA program, both directly (through mandatory program activities) and indirectly, influences the cross-cultural sensitivity of the awardees. Themes identified include language and culture, attitudes of openness and willingness to listen to others, cross-cultural exchange, empathy in understanding others' perspectives, and adopting new habits. Results: The findings indicate that the IISMA program has a significant impact on the cross-cultural sensitivity of its scholarship recipients. Participants are directly exposed to various cultures in Spain and actively engage with these cultures. Additionally, the IISMA program encourages participants to promote Indonesian culture internationally through mandatory challenges and other assigned tasks. Conclusions: The research provides insights into how the IISMA program influences cultural integration, attitudes toward others, intellectual interactions, empathy, and behavioral adaptation among the scholarship recipients. This study highlights the importance of international cultural exchange programs in enhancing understanding and cross-cultural sensitivity among participants.

Tantangan dan Peluang Pendidikan Bahasa Arab: Perspektif Global

Abstract: This research presents an in-depth analysis of challenges and opportunities in Arabic language education, with a focus on a global perspective. Arabic plays a crucial role on the international stage, serving not only as a religious language but also as a language of culture, science, and administration. However, Arabic language education in various countries faces several challenges that can impact the quality of learning and student comprehension. This literature review investigates some key challenges in Arabic language education, including non-aligned curricula, insufficient learning resources, and issues in developing Arabic language skills. Meanwhile, the research also highlights opportunities that can be utilized to enhance Arabic language education, such as the use of innovative educational technology, inter-institutional collaboration, and the promotion of cultural exchange programs. By analyzing various concepts and findings in related literature, this research provides profound insights into the global conditions of Arabic language education. By understanding the challenges faced and leveraging existing opportunities, effective strategies can be formulated to improve the quality of Arabic language education worldwide. This research is expected to contribute to the development of more holistic and sustainable Arabic language education policies, as well as motivate practical steps to enhance the teaching and learning of Arabic globally.

Beliefs & Investment of Undergraduate Students Learning Turkish as a Foreign Language

Considering the global and economic need for foreign language interactions, various educational institutes have incorporated foreign language teaching (FLT) into the curriculum. The languages offered include German, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish (recently). To reconnoiter different aspects of Chinese language learning in Pakistan, research has been conducted in the context (see for example, Khan et al, 2023 and Aftab et al, 2022). However, the topical surge in learning Turkish as a foreign language (TFL) resulting from the cultural exchange programs, scholarship opportunities, Turkish dramas broadcast in Pakistan, and most significantly the strong Pak-Turk relationships have led education institutions to offer TFL at the undergraduate level. To explore the beliefs, imagined identity, and investment (Norton, 2001) of undergraduate students for TFL, a qualitative study was conducted. Since, the study probed into the beliefs, imagined identities, and investment of the students, narrative inquiries fit the objectives of the research. 4 participants volunteered to retell their experiences cogitating the temporality, sociality, and spatiality of the experience. The findings show that learners enrolled in the TFL course believed and imagined getting a better job and business opportunities, acting as a translator and diplomat with proficiency in foreign language. The learners imagined exploring educational opportunities for scholarships and higher studies in the future. Additionally, TFL learners foresee the Turkish language as a means of cultural and social identity, learning for tourism, and socialization with natives. The participants manifested these beliefs to invest in their imagined identities as TFL for professional identity, multilingual identity, and social identity. TFL beliefs and investment provide insights into learners’ perspectives and their future imagined identity in the broader scope of shifting foreign language education policy.

The Innovative Development Strategies of International Cultural Exchange Programs from the Perspective of the Belt and Road Initiative

The Innovative Development Strategies of International Cultural Exchange Programs from the Perspective of the Belt and Road Initiative

Experiences Of Foreign Tourists In The Old City Of Semarang: Evaluation Of Service Quality Foreign Languages In The Tourism Context

Research aims to evaluate the quality of foreign language services provided to foreign tourists visiting the Old City of Semarang, a tourism destination that is increasingly in demand. This research uses a qualitative approach with various methods, including case studies, indepth interviews with foreign tourists, content analysis, participant observation, document analysis and data triangulation. The research results revealed that the majority of foreign tourists were impressed with foreign language services in the Old City of Semarang. They shared positive stories about interactions with officers who tried to help in a foreign language, which made them feel welcome and comfortable. Another positive experience involves the ability to explore the culture and history of the city through smooth interactions with local residents who are fluent in foreign languages. However, a number of foreign tourists also face obstacles, especially in terms of communication, navigation and understanding cultural differences. Some of the recommendations given by foreign tourists include increasing language training for officers, providing more information materials in foreign languages, improving navigation, cultural exchange programs, use of technology, tourist feedback channels, and increasing cooperation between stakeholders. This research has important implications for improving the tourism sector and local economy. Improving foreign language services in the Old City of Semarang can increase tourist satisfaction, result in repeat visits, positive recommendations, and a positive contribution to the city's economic growth. Therefore, language training, provision of information materials, improved navigation, promotion of culture, technology, feedback channels, and cooperation between stakeholders are key steps in achieving this goal.

“Such Arbitrary and Rude Action”: István Deák’s Reports on His Expulsion from Hungary in 1973–74

Abstract The primary sources published here were authored by the noted Hungarian-American historian István Deák (1926–2023). They provide a firsthand account of his expulsion from Hungary at the end of 1973 and also of his subsequent harassment by the Hungarian state security during his return trip in the summer of 1974. The documents are prefaced by an introduction to the various trans-Atlantic cultural exchange programs during the Cold War period, with a particular focus on the conflict between the Hungarian authorities and the International Research & Exchanges Board that was caused by Deák’s expulsion.