Transformational Experiences of College Students Studying Abroad
Session Abstract
College students traveled to Florence, Italy and studied international food and culture for six weeks during the summer of 2015. The professor/researcher encouraged students to discuss their transformational learning experiences using the well-known Mezirow theory as a backdrop and self-reflection too. Journals, face-to-face discussions, and final reflection papers were used.
Target Audience
Many transformational learning experiences occurred in the lives of both students and professor. The presenter believes these powerful experiences enhanced the overall learning experience in the course and changed many peoples' perspectives regarding their existing beliefs. The target audience for this presentation may include but would not be limited to: adult educators in a global classroom setting, individuals connected with university study abroad programs, individuals interested in the effects of transformational learning on adult learners.
Session Description
The partnership between the Education Abroad Office at the University of South Florida World and Florence University of the Arts gives students the opportunity to enroll in classes internationally in over 25 countries. USF believes exposing the students to foreign and international experiences will:
• expand their understanding of the world around them;
• provide a comparative context for their US studies resulting in a deeper understanding and appreciation of these subjects;
• prepare them for an increasingly international workplace; and
• create more thoughtful and understanding citizens of the world.
Students’ briefed on Mezirow's transformational learning theory at the beginning of the term were empowered with this useful self-reflection tool. This assisted them in making sense out of the cultures they were embedded in over the six week study abroad course. As you will hear, both students and professor had transformational learning experiences. The different facets of this 11-stage theory were discussed in class, often mentioned in their weekly journals, and sited in their final reflection papers. Overall, the process helped each person realize many of their own struggles and dilemmas were shared by others during the course. The purpose of the roundtable is to explore future research endeavors.