USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center
Abstract
International education in the United States has become increasingly diverse. No longer is study abroad in higher institutions only accessible to the affluent, white privileged class. With this changing demographic in our student population, so does the need of how we prepare our student cohorts for their study abroad experience. The Intercultural Communication: Pre-Departure Orientation for Study Abroad Students is a project designed to start the process of intercultural communication skills building prior to a student’s departure. After exploring the literature about cross-cultural communication, identity formation and cultural humility, this project provides educators with an intercultural communication skill building pre-departure orientation that is ready for implementation. This orientation has been developed in such a way that revolve around cultural awareness and understanding, along with the notion of constant self-reflection. This project also offers recommendations on implementation and limitations