Brazilian Students Studying in the United States: Perceptions of Their Lived Experiences 6 Months After Returning Home. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Conceição, Simone C. O.; Mina, Liliana; Southern, Todd
• Is Part Of: Journal of transformative education. Volume 19:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 146
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: ecological systems theory -- transformative learning theory -- international students -- perspective transformation -- personal growth and development -- worldview -- support; Transformative learning -- Periodicals; Adult learning -- Periodicals; Adult education -- Periodicals; Adult education -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Critical pedagogy -- Periodicals; Self-actualization (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Continuing education -- Periodicals; 374.001
• DOI: 10.1177/1541344620944640
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1541-3446

Abstract

A key challenge for international students in the United States is a readiness to study and live in a culture that is vastly different from their own. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of the lived experiences of Brazilian students studying in the United States six months after returning home. Thirty-three Brazilian students responded to an open-ended, self-reflective online questionnaire focusing on their lived experience in the U.S. Three major themes emerged from the data based on the interactions between the multiple systems Brazilian students lived in the U.S.: personal growth and development, perspective transformation, and change in worldview. Participants claimed that they perceived their experiences influenced their perceptions about their own country and culture and gave them a new perspective expanding their horizons about themselves and their role in the world. The article concludes with practical implications, study limitations, and suggestions for future research.