The Impact of Cultural Immersion Experience on Identity Transformation Process

Abstract

This study focused on understanding the cultural immersion experience of students who participated in Study Abroad Programs (SAP) and Global Service Learning Programs (GSL). The study looked at how the immersion experience impacted the participants’ view of self and others upon re-entry into their local community. Specifically, we applied the perspective transformation theoretical framework to analyze the extent to which participation in cultural immersion programs transforms students’ perceptions of self and others. The analysis of the semi-structured interviews suggested that by engaging in intentional immersion and guided reflections, participants became aware of the need to reevaluate their perspectives, expectations, and assumptions about self and others. We also found that there were differences in the way participants experienced the cultural immersion process and the impact it had on cultural awareness and self-identity.

Culture Representations Incorporated within the English Textbook Used for Teaching Seventh-Grade Students in Indonesia

“…Currently, teachers can enhance students' understanding of the culture they come from by inquiring about similar circumstances within their cultural context. One additional benefit of incorporating diverse cultures is facilitating intercultural learning and comprehension, enabling individuals to adapt their behavior following the socio-cultural context (Onosu, 2021).…”

The Moderating Role of Personality in the Relationship between Internet Use and Study Abroad Difficulties

“…Gaining insights into the local perspective is an important component of cross-cultural understanding and awareness [ 83 ]. Although participating in study abroad programs can help develop an individual’s cross-cultural awareness [ 84 ], the key to building cross-cultural understanding is still actual physical interaction with host country nationals [ 85 , 86 ]. Local immersion can often be difficult, but cultural understanding is needed to gain insight into local values [ 87 ].…”

Gawad Laguna (Gftsl): Implication in Developing Social Awareness and Linguistic and Cultural Competencies of the Outstanding Youth of Laguna

“…The Impact of Cultural Immersion Experience on Identity Transformation Process by Onosu (2021) reports that the immersion experience has a direct impact on participants' perceptions of others and themselves upon re-entry or return to their home community. Particularly, the extent to which participation in cultural immersion programs alters students' perceptions of self and others was investigated using the perspective transformation theoretical framework.…”