The Impact of Transculturality on Student Experience of Higher Education. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Heidi A.; Segbers, Teresa
• Other Names: Roberts Jay guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of experiential education. Volume 41:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 89
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: outdoor studies -- transculturality -- higher education -- internationalization -- study abroad; Education -- Periodicals; Experience -- Periodicals; Education -- Experimental methods -- Periodicals; Learning, Psychology of -- Periodicals; 370.1505
• DOI: 10.1177/1053825917750406
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-009X

Abstract

Background: Higher education outdoor studies programs retain a critical interest in student experiences as they seek to prepare citizens in a globalized, yet simultaneously neo-nationalist, world.Purpose: This research explored the impact of transculturality on the student experience of outdoor studies in the Transcultural European Outdoor Studies (TEOS) Masters, a course hosted by three universities in three countries.Methodology/Approach: A longitudinal study of the student experience, using a conceptual framework of self, place, transculturality, and outdoor learning theory underpins the research. Semistructured online interviews and one face-to-face retrospective interview were conducted with four participants throughout the course (Semesters 1, 2, 3), plus an additional five participants prior to the end of Semester 3.Findings/Conclusions: The findings elucidate students' transcultural self-growth and transcultural capabilities, including resilience, intelligence, and fatigue.Implications: Although challenges exist for course design, considerations of transcultural pedagogy and curricula, reflective practices, support for students and teaching staff, cultural learning experiences (including language acquisition), and a willingness to move beyond traditional models of curricula at the university level are recommended.