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Global-Mindedness in Study Abroad Professionals

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Date Issued:
2018
Abstract/Description:
This mixed methods study explored and measured the multi-dimensional construct of global-mindedness as it applies to the study abroad professional and defines the term study abroad professional. Hett’s (1993) Global-Mindedness Scale and the five dimensions of responsibility, cultural pluralism, efficacy, globalcentrism, and interconnectedness was utilized to determine the global-mindedness of study abroad professionals. Additionally, open and closed-ended questions were used to identify similarities across the study abroad professionals and to help define and give meaning to the term study abroad professional. Research findings lead to the identification of four themes. Theme one focused on characteristics that lend themselves to defining the term study abroad professionals. Theme two focused on the individual characteristics and their association with Hett’s five dimensions of global-mindedness. Qualitative data were used to support the various research questions whose answers became part of the working definition for a study abroad professional. Theme three focused on study abroad. And, theme four focused on evolving job announcements. International education, specifically study abroad, has become a specialized and recognized profession. What has emerged are specific academic requirements, professional training, and various professional and personal experiences being a requirement for entry into the field. Individuals entering the study abroad profession need to have an advanced degree, most likely in education or international/global studies (although other majors are acceptable), they will have studied, interned, volunteered, worked, or lived abroad, they will have good communication skills, be open-minded, organized, flexible, patient, empathetic, culturally sensitive, interculturally competent, and will have previous experience in the field. These findings have led to the definition of a study abroad professional. a study abroad professional is a globally-minded administrator or advisor with international and professional experiences, educational credentials, and personal traits that help them to relate to, communicate with, and support students, faculty, and staff, while fostering a safe study abroad environment that meets the needs of the institution and diverse student populations.
Title: Global-Mindedness in Study Abroad Professionals.
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Name(s): Tucker, Tania Renee, author
Bogotch, Ira, Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
College of Education
Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2018
Date Issued: 2018
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 220 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: This mixed methods study explored and measured the multi-dimensional construct of global-mindedness as it applies to the study abroad professional and defines the term study abroad professional. Hett’s (1993) Global-Mindedness Scale and the five dimensions of responsibility, cultural pluralism, efficacy, globalcentrism, and interconnectedness was utilized to determine the global-mindedness of study abroad professionals. Additionally, open and closed-ended questions were used to identify similarities across the study abroad professionals and to help define and give meaning to the term study abroad professional. Research findings lead to the identification of four themes. Theme one focused on characteristics that lend themselves to defining the term study abroad professionals. Theme two focused on the individual characteristics and their association with Hett’s five dimensions of global-mindedness. Qualitative data were used to support the various research questions whose answers became part of the working definition for a study abroad professional. Theme three focused on study abroad. And, theme four focused on evolving job announcements. International education, specifically study abroad, has become a specialized and recognized profession. What has emerged are specific academic requirements, professional training, and various professional and personal experiences being a requirement for entry into the field. Individuals entering the study abroad profession need to have an advanced degree, most likely in education or international/global studies (although other majors are acceptable), they will have studied, interned, volunteered, worked, or lived abroad, they will have good communication skills, be open-minded, organized, flexible, patient, empathetic, culturally sensitive, interculturally competent, and will have previous experience in the field. These findings have led to the definition of a study abroad professional. a study abroad professional is a globally-minded administrator or advisor with international and professional experiences, educational credentials, and personal traits that help them to relate to, communicate with, and support students, faculty, and staff, while fostering a safe study abroad environment that meets the needs of the institution and diverse student populations.
Identifier: FA00013152 (IID)
Degree granted: Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2018.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Subject(s): Foreign study
Cultural pluralism
Global
Mixed methods research
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013152
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.