Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Thesis

Department

Communications

First Advisor

Sofía Souto

Second Advisor

Calie Dickey

Abstract

An increasing number of students are choosing to study abroad. Once only an experience for those learning a language (University of Delaware, 2024), international education has become much more accessible for students of all disciplines. When choosing a program, students face a decision in choosing the level of language immersion and learning the trip will offer. This study examined the impact of different levels of language immersion on a student's intercultural sensitivity following a short-term study abroad trip. Intercultural sensitivity, defined as, “an individual's ability to develop emotion towards understanding and appreciating cultural differences that promotes appropriate and effective behavior in intercultural communication” (Chen & Starosta, 1997), is especially important for college students entering a globalized workforce. Fifty-four sources detailing short-term study abroad trips with different levels of language immersion were critically analyzed. The data revealed short-term trips with formal language instruction as the most effective in promoting growth in students’ intercultural sensitivity. However, a deeper analysis suggests the value of informal language programs as well due to their heightened accessibility to students who are not only pursuing language learning opportunities. The findings of this study will aid students in choosing an international education program, and inform employers of qualitative differences across the international experiences of applicants. Additionally, this study serves to advise universities in designing study abroad opportunities. Finally, this study underscores a need for increased research in the study abroad field, especially in regards to effects of language immersion on intercultural sensitivity.

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