Intercultural Sensitivity Development in Study Abroad - Is Duration a Decisive Element in Cultural Learning Outcomes?

With the recent focus on internationalizing the U.S. students experience in college, there has been a push for a variety of short-term study abroad programs. These programs are becoming increasingly popular and are drawing a diversified student body. At the same time, study abroad professionals are turning to holistic approaches to their programs where cultural learning becomes an intrinsic aspect of the overall learning. This book explores the correlation, and possible tension, between the duration of a study abroad program and cultural learning outcomes. Data collected from two programs in Mexico are analyzed based on Milton Bennetts Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS). The analysis should shed some light on the variables that may affect cultural learning and the impact of program duration. Of particular interest are the vignettes that present in some detail the developmental process of three students. This book should be especially useful to study abroad practitioners and Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) administrators.