Visual and Personal Narratives: Telling the Story of Holistic Global Perspective Development Through Short-Term Study Abroad in a Group Cohort

Authors

  • Molly Shepard Drake University
  • Robyn Cooper Drake University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i3.814

Keywords:

Faculty-led cohort model, global perspective, holistic student development, short-term study abroad, visual narratives

Abstract

This study contributes to existing research on study abroad programming by exploring how short-term study abroad experiences develop college students' global citizenship skills. Offering a unique qualitative approach focused on holistic global perspective development through students' visual and personal narratives, this study investigates how college students’ lived experiences shape their global perspective, using a three-tiered, semi-structured interview approach. The research question asked is how the lived experience of college students participating in a short-term international education experience shape their global perspective development from a holistic perspective. The framework of cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal perspectives guided the analysis of participant narratives, which included interviews, journals, and photography. Findings from this phenomenological study highlight the benefits of cohort-building, showing how group dynamics and shared experiences enhance global perspective. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of pre-departure preparation and critical components like reflection and dialogue during the experience. These elements collectively foster holistic global perspective.

Abstract in Spanish

Este estudio contribuye a la investigación existente sobre la programación de estudios en el extranjero al explorar cómo las experiencias de viaje seminario desarrollan las habilidades de ciudadanía global de los estudiantes universitarios. Ofreciendo un enfoque cualitativo único centrado en el desarrollo de una perspectiva global holística a través de las narrativas visuales y personales de los estudiantes, este estudio investiga cómo las experiencias vividas de los estudiantes universitarios influyen a sus perspectivas globales, utilizando un enfoque de entrevista semiestructurada de tres niveles. La pregunta de investigación preguntó cómo la experiencia vivida de los estudiantes universitarios que participan en una experiencia de viaje seminario influye al desarrollo de sus perspectivas globales desde una perspectiva holística. El marco de las perspectivas cognitiva, intrapersonal e interpersonal guió el análisis de las narrativas de los participantes, que incluyeron entrevistas, diarios y fotografías. Los resultados de este estudio fenomenológico enfatizan los beneficios de la formación de cohortes, mostrando cómo la dinámica del grupo y las experiencias compartidas mejoran la perspectiva global. Además, el estudio enfatiza la importancia de la preparación antes de partir y componentes críticos como la reflexión y el diálogo durante la experiencia. Estos elementos promueven colectivamente la perspectiva global holística.

Abstract in French

Cette étude contribue aux recherches existantes sur les programmes d'études à l'étranger en explorant comment les expériences de voyage de courte durée développent les compétences mondiales des étudiants. Proposant une approche qualitative unique axée sur le développement d'une perspective globale holistique à travers les récits visuels et personnels des étudiants, cette étude examine comment les expériences vécues des étudiants façonnent leur perspective globale, à l'aide d'une approche d'entretiens semi-structurés en trois niveaux. La question de recherche posée est de savoir comment l'expérience vécue des étudiants participant à un voyage de courte durée façonne le développement de leur perspective globale d'un point de vue holistique. L'analyse des récits des participants, incluant des entretiens, des journaux intimes et des photographies, s'est appuyée sur les perspectives cognitives, intrapersonnelles et interpersonnelles. Les résultats de cette étude phénoménologique soulignent les avantages de la constitution de cohortes, montrant comment la dynamique de groupe et les expériences partagées enrichissent la perspective globale. De plus, l'étude souligne l'importance de la préparation avant le départ et des éléments essentiels comme la réflexion et le dialogue pendant l'expérience. Ces éléments favorisent collectivement une perspective globale holistique.

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Author Biographies

Molly Shepard, Drake University

Molly Shepard, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Practice in Leadership and Organizational Behavior and Co-Director of the Master of Science in Leadership program at Drake University. With credentials as an Intercultural Development Inventory Administrator and international business expertise, Dr. Shepard integrates global perspectives into leadership education. Her focus centers on building intercultural competencies and equipping future leaders with skills essential for success in today's interconnected world through immersive learning experiences.

Robyn Cooper, Drake University

Robyn Cooper, Ph.D., is a Professor of Education at Drake University and Director of the Doctoral Program for the School of Education. Dr. Cooper’s area of expertise is as a research methodologist. Additionally, her research centers on youth and adult development, wellness, leadership, and the learning environment. Dr. Cooper teaches courses in statistics and quantitative research, philosophies and epistemologies of education, learning analytics, and dissertation seminars.

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Published

2025-11-05

How to Cite

Shepard, M., & Cooper, R. (2025). Visual and Personal Narratives: Telling the Story of Holistic Global Perspective Development Through Short-Term Study Abroad in a Group Cohort. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 37(3), 25–55. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i3.814

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Section

Research Articles