Understanding Perceived Short-Term Outcomes from a Faculty Travel Abroad Experience in Ecuador

摘要

In an attempt to facilitate internationalization or undergraduate curriculum, eight faculty members from a land-grant institution participated in a short-term study abroad. Upon their return from the experience, participants were asked to reflect on changes from initial attitudes or beliefs, perceived benefits gained from participation in the program, and anticipated impacts on academic activities. Responses were analyzed using four variables: knowledge gain, change in attitude, increased skills, andaspirations. Two themes emerged concerning knowledge gain: change that occurred regarding the context of the research process, specific to research opportunities and knowledge gained from travelling with a diverse faculty group, and informational details about Ecuador, specifically regarding social systems, current issues, culture, and environment. Responses concerning a change in attitude were focused on the people of Ecuador, exhibiting shifts from a stereotypical to a broader mindset. Few participants described any opportunities to increase skill sets within their post-trip reflection activity, citing only opportunities to increase communication skills. However, numerous participants cited new aspirations, focused around the three areas of land-grant academe - teaching, research, and extension. These results suggest that participating faculty aspire to integrate global activities into their on-campus courses and research endeavors as a result of participating in this program.