Abstract:
Research has indicated that traditionally underrepresented undergraduate students in the food and agricultural sciences continue to be grossly underrepresented in the pool of undergraduate students with study abroad experiences. The current study is an assessment of participants’ perceptions of an international experience for students from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at the University of Tennessee (UT). This program included a semester long for-credit academic coursework, culminating in a two-week study abroad experience. Participants completed a pre- departure survey and a subsequent post-reentry assessment. Analysis of the data indicated that there was significant perceived growth (P = 001) in cultural awareness, knowledge of global affairs, interpersonal competence, personal attributes and knowledge of the focal country. Qualitative data corroborated those findings and clarified the data regarding perceptions of empowerment outcomes. The study highlights a particular group of students (i.e., traditionally under-represented) in the agricultural sciences that could benefit from targeted efforts to enhance their opportunities for participation in experiential learning abroad and professional preparation for the globalized world. Limitations of the study such as concerns inherent in short-term study-abroad programs and of self-assessments are noted.
Key Words:
Underrepresented, preceptions, CASNER
 8. Smith NACTA Special Issue Sept 2013.pdf | [ ] | 324 kB |
