Article 2023

Meaningful short-term study abroad experiences: the role of destination in international educational tourism

IM
Iskhakova, Marina
 BA
Bradly, Andrew
 OD
Ott, Dana L.
Journal of Teaching in Travel and Tourism
Journal · Vol. 23 · Issue 4 · pp. 400-424
Abstract

Short-term study abroad (STSA) programs are one of the most dynamic segments of international educational travel and tourism. Our study utilizes experiential learning theory (ELT) to investigate and compare the scope and depth of students’ encounters during STSA tours across four different global travel destinations (the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Vietnam, and the United States of America). Through an analysis of the learning journals of 116 undergraduate students who participated in these international study tours, we identify the types of experiences that students engage in during their STSA programs. Then we investigate which experiences are perceived to be more meaningful and to facilitate student learning. Last, we analyze these experiences across four different global destinations to explore how meaningfulness may vary. The study provides important implications for travel providers concerning the choice of travel destination and for higher education institutions that design and develop international educational tourism opportunities. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

Author Keywords

experiential learning theory international educational tourism learning journal meaningful experience Short-term study abroad travel destinations

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Department of Management, University of Otago, Dunedin, OTA, New Zealand
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
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