Study abroad’s impact on the development of global citizenship. Study abroad’s impact on the development of global citizenship. Let’s explore how varying durations of study-abroad programs affect students’ growth into global citizens.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Study Abroad Programs
Short-Term (Less than 6 Months)
Typically lasting a few weeks to a few months, provides students with initial exposure to different cultures and global perspectives. While these experiences can spark interest in global citizenship, they often limit the depth of cultural immersion and interpersonal relationships that students can develop.
- Initial Exposure: You may gain a basic understanding of cultural differences and global issues but might not fully grasp the complexities involved in these topics. Research indicates that while short-term programs can enhance awareness, they may not significantly alter students’ perceptions of global interconnectedness or social responsibility (Sklad et al., 2016)
- Limited Relationship Building: The brief nature of these programs can restrict opportunities for meaningful interactions with local communities, which are crucial for developing empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.
Long-Term Programs (6 Months or More)
In contrast, long-term study abroad programs allow for more profound engagement with different cultures and issues, leading to significant growth in global citizenship traits.
- Cultural Immersion: Extended stays enable you as a student to immerse yourself in the local culture, fostering a greater appreciation for diversity. According to a study by Lilley et al. (2015), students who participated in programs lasting six months or longer reported enhanced self-awareness and interconnectedness compared to those in shorter programs
- Building Stronger Networks: Long-term programs facilitate deeper relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds, enhancing intercultural competence. These connections often lead to collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges, as students become more aware of their shared responsibilities as global citizens (Narita, 2023).https://gjsd.gile-edu.org/index.php/home/article/view/6-narita-97-113.
- Sustained Reflection and Growth: Students engaged in longer programs have more opportunities for reflection on their experiences, which is crucial for developing critical thinking skills related to social responsibility and global citizenship. (Hendershot&Sperandio,2019) https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ879768.pdf.
Evidence from Research
Numerous studies underscore the importance of duration in shaping global citizenship:
- A comprehensive study involving interviews with undergraduate students indicated that those who studied abroad for longer periods exhibited a greater understanding of global issues and demonstrated increased engagement in civic activities post-return (Narita, 2023). https://gjsd.gile-edu.org/index.php/home/article/view/6-narita-97-113.
- Research by Sklad et al. (2016) showed that participants in long-term overseas volunteer programs significantly improved their scores on measures of social responsibility and global competence compared to their peers in short-term programs https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1222493.pdf.
The duration of study abroad plays a critical role in shaping students into informed global citizens.
While short-term experiences can ignite interest and awareness, it is through long-term engagement that you can truly develop the skills and perspectives necessary for effective participation in an interconnected world.
As educational institutions continue to promote study-abroad opportunities, recognizing the value of duration will be essential in fostering the next generation of global citizens.
For further insights into how study abroad influences global citizenship development, explore the findings from various studies available through educational resources such as ERIC and GJSD.