Re-conceptualizing Study Abroad: Shifting the Focus to Connection, Flow, and Movement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v36i3.869Keywords:
Cultural connection, flow, movement, multiple destinations, study abroadAbstract
This article begins with the question: “Why is study abroad focused on discrete locations and stasis when human history is characterized by movement, flows, and connectivity?” The answer to that question can be found in the original purposes of study abroad in addition to the historical and epistemological context in which these programs emerged. The article then explores the limitations of discrete-location study abroad programs and provides alternatives that focus on the flow of people and ideas across borders and the connections between cultures. By focusing study abroad courses on the fact that human communities are mutually constitutive, I argue that students may better understand many of the current challenges facing the international community. Furthermore, the approaches outlined in the sample courses featured here can help to foster empathy and meet other cultural competency goals by the nature of the subject matter that puts connection and flow at the center.
Abstract in FrenchCet article commence par la question: <<Pourquoi les programmes d'études à l'étranger se concentrent-elles sur des lieux discrets and sur la stase alors que l’histoire humaine est caractérisée par le mouvement, les flux, et la connectivité?>> La réponse à cette question se trouve dans les objectifs initiaux des études à l'étranger ainsi que dans le contexte historique et épistémologique dans lequel ces programmes sont apparus. L’article explore ensuite les limites des programmes d'études à l'étranger dans des lieux distincts (souvent un seul pays), et propose des alternatives axées sur la circulation des personnes et des idées à travers les frontières et sur les liens entre des cultures. En visant ces programmes et ces cours sur le fait que les communautés humaines sont mutuellement constitutives, je soutiens que les étudiants pourraient mieux comprendre bon nombre des défis actuels auxquels est confrontée la communauté internationale. De plus, les approches décrites dans les exemples de cours présentés ici peuvent aider à favoriser l'empathie et à atteindre d'autres objectifs de compétence culturelle grâce à la nature du sujet qui met la connexion et le flux au centre.
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