AbstractsEducation Research & Administration

Learning Beyond Borders and Boundaries: Brazilian Students in a Canadian Post-Secondary Institution

by Shannon Thibodeau




Institution: University of Guelph
Department:
Year: 2015
Keywords: brazil; internationalization; intercultural; learning
Posted: 02/05/2017
Record ID: 2067030
Full text PDF: https://atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca/xmlui/handle/10214/9228


Abstract

Producing interculturally competent students has emerged as a goal on university campuses while international student mobility has increased significantly over the past two decades. This research study explored the experience of Brazilian undergraduate students studying at the University of Guelph during the 2014-2015 academic year as part of a specialized, cohort-based exchange program, Science without Borders. The research was conducted through online surveys and face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Language development and intercultural learning were identified as largely positive experiences, despite an absence of evidence of competency in either area. Lack of information was identified as a challenge area. Understanding the role of the cohort structure in intercultural competency development is important in supporting campus wide internationalization agendas in a growing landscape of international student mobility. Advisors/Committee Members: Mahone, James (advisor).