Capstone Project Idea by Kaylin Bowers

Potential Research Topic

kaylinbowers — 2015-07-19 23:10:25 UTC

I am interested in studying the implications of participating in a study abroad program on one's own cultural identity. Through my own experiences, I have noticed where certain aspects of who I am have become more solid and rooted after spending time in another culture, however there are other aspects which I have adopted or changed my perspectives on. How deep do these experiences affect who we are and how do they manifest themselves, if at all, when exposed to opposing cultures?

Research Questions

kaylinbowers — 2015-07-19 23:13:17 UTC

1. Does experience in or interaction with another culture intensify one's understanding of his/her own cultural identity?

2. Can someone adopt another cultural identity into their own?

3. How does someone become aware of their own cultural identity? aware of influences on his/her identity?

4. What is the difference between adopting another cultural aspect (identity) into one's own and tolerance of different ways of life?

Research Approach

kaylinbowers — 2015-07-19 23:13:35 UTC

Addressing this research from the narrative or life history perspective with a mixed methods approach would be an adequate way to approach this type of research because it deals so closely with individual experiences. Quantitative methods would be useful in gaining basic information, but qualitative research will be the most insightful when discerning the impact a study abroad experience has on the participant's cultural identity and sense of self.

Data collection and analysis

kaylinbowers — 2015-07-19 23:18:31 UTC

I would start collecting data through the administration of surveys to study abroad participants in order to gain a basic understanding of the program, length of time abroad, location, age, background and certain baseline information that would be necessary to know. The surveys administered would contain quantitative and qualitative type questions, although information would be predominately gained through qualitative methods.Following their return, qualitative data, such as personal interviews and testimony would be beneficial in understanding how the experience impacted them, what aspects of the other culture they may or may not have adopted, are more sympathetic to, etc. The information collected would be analyzed for any recurring themes and impact level of the experience abroad.

Relevant Sources

kaylinbowers — 2015-07-19 23:18:38 UTC

Akli, M., PhD. (2013). Study abroad and cultural learning through fulbright and other international scholarships: A holistic student development. Journal of International Students, 3(1), 1-9. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1355441874?accountid=10559

Breen, M. (2012). Privileged migration: American undergraduates, study abroad, academic tourism. Critical Arts, 26(1), 82+. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA290066351&v=2.1&u=drexel_main&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=c3dd1a76e57982399ae25b4864fb699e

Costello, J. (2015). Students' stories of studying abroad: Reflections upon return. Journal of International Students, 5(1), 50-59. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1644295208?accountid=10559

Dolby, N. (2004, May). Encouraging an American self: Study abroad and national identity. Comparative Education Review, 48(2), 150-173. Doi: 10.1086/382620

ELLWOOD, C. (2011). Undoing the Knots: Identity transformations in a study abroad programme. Educational Philosophy & Theory, 43(9), 960-978. doi:10.1111/j.1469-5812.2009.00559.x

Mapp, S. C. (2012). Effect of short-term study abroad programs on students' cultural adaptability. Journal of Social Work Education, 48(4), 727+. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA320731612&v=2.1&u=drexel_main&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=da6b343d18fcda7acc81394934d1584c

Savicki, V. & Cooley, E.(2011). American Identity in Study Abroad Students: Contrasts, Changes, Correlates. Journal of College Student Development 52(3), 339-349. The Johns Hopkins University Press. Retrieved July 19, 2015, from Project MUSE database.

Stewart, J. A. (2010). Using e-journals to assess students' language awareness and social identity during study abroad. Foreign Language Annals, 43(1), 138-159. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/871903155?accountid=10559