Short-Term Study-Abroad Experience in Ireland: An Exercise in Cross-Cultural Counseling

摘要

International exchanges or study-abroad experiences can have lifelong impacts on students from various disciplines. This article describes the integration of a short-term study-abroad program to Ireland into two socio-cultural courses. The experience also offers course credit for major requirements in two programs. Through this two-week travel experience students are brought into intensive contact with educators, scholars, and community activists in Ireland and Northern Ireland and weigh differences and similarities in the social issues and services among the three countries. While the course is aimed at students in the counseling field, it also appeals to students majoring in criminal justice, sociology, women's studies, international studies, and political science.