Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2020

Publication Source

Contemporary School Psychology

Abstract

This study investigated perceived influence of study abroad experiences on intercultural competence in school psychologists and school psychologists-in-training. This exploratory descriptive qualitative analysis involved semi-structured interviews with a purposively sampled group (n = 20) of school psychologists (n = 10) and school psychology graduate students (n = 10) who studied abroad during their undergraduate or graduate programs. Participants responded to questions about their study abroad experience, how it affected them, what they learned about other cultures, and how it affected their career or career preparation. Four themes were identified: (1) awareness of cultural similarities and differences; (2) recognition of privilege; (3) development of empathy; and (4) shaping of professional practice. Participants reported that their study abroad experiences had a positive impact on their perceived intercultural competence. Implications for school psychology training programs and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Intercultural competence is typically viewed as existing on a continuum, as a set of skills that develop over time through experiences. Hammer’s (Hammer 2011) Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity illustrates such a continuum, wherein individuals progress from having basic perceptions and behaviors regarding different cultures to a more complex understanding (Hammer 2011). Such frameworks of intercultural competence development generally focus on the shift from an ethnocentric view (that one’s own culture is the center of all cultures), to a more global viewpoint (that cultures interact and influence each other). School psychology training programs involve coursework and field experiences that help students progress along the continuum of intercultural sensitivity.

The research question examined in this study was as follows: What are the perceived effects of study abroad experiences on the intercultural competence of school psychology graduate students and experienced school psychologists? These two points in professional development were selected so we could examine both the short- and long-term perceived effects.

Inclusive pages

367-376

ISBN/ISSN

Electronic ISSN: 2161-1505; Print ISSN: 2159-2020

Document Version

Postprint

Comments

The document available for download is the authors' accepted manuscript, provided in compliance with the publisher's policy on self-archiving. Permission documentation is on file. To view the version of record, use the link to the DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-020-00337-2

Publisher

Springer Nature

Volume

25

Issue

3

Peer Reviewed

yes

Keywords

Study abroad, school psychologist, intercultural competence, qualitative

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