This investigation examined intercultural knowledge development in a short-term study abroad program in a cultural and linguistic minority context (Basque Country, Spain).
Listed in Open Access Publications
Version 1.0 - published on 13 Dec 2019
Licensed under CC0 - Creative Commons
Citation: Gondra, A., & Czerwionka, L. (2018). Intercultural Knowledge Development During Short-Term Study Abroad in the Basque Country: A Cultural and Linguistic Minority Context. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 30(3).
A pre- and post program quantitative and qualitative design was used with 26 participants. The quantitative, survey based results demonstrated an increase in intercultural knowledge over the study’s five-week duration. Qualitative analysis of interview data indicated that students’ intercultural knowledge aligned with Lussier’s (2007) description of knowledge about “small c” culture and included knowledge of social groups—a distinct finding from prior research. Students’ knowledge changed over the period abroad, indicating adjustment to City Life and Time and Schedule norms. Additionally, knowledge growth was greatest with respect to subthemes strongly linked to the minority context (e.g. Basque ethnicity, culture, language). This study offers detailed information about intercultural knowledge development during short-term study abroad experiences and demonstrates that minority context programs encourage development of intercultural knowledge about “small c” culture and social groups.
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