Intercultural experiences of short-term regional exchange program alumni: a multiple-case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT The popularity of exchange programs or study abroad programs has been on an unprecedented increase. My research investigated the intercultural experiences of participants in a relatively new type of exchange program – short term regional ones. In addition, I looked at the perceived outcomes – their impacts on intercultural knowledge acquisition and attitude change as perceived by the participants themselves. My research adopted the qualitative case study design where I selected three alumni of such programs who differed in terms of experience richness and program focus. Using semi-structured interviews that encourage participants to critically reflect on their previous experience, the study revealed that the majority of intercultural experiences occurred during the program while pre-departure experiences were rarely accounted. Typically, targeted programs did not hold any follow-up activities so my participants relined mostly on gained international relationship for post-event experiences. For impacts of the programs, my participants gained significantly about social, historical, linguistic, cultural values and specialized knowledge. On the other hand, attitudes changed both negatively and positively while the former exceeded the latter. Unpredictably, the findings confirmed the necessity of reflection in making intercultural experiences meaningful and long-lasting.