The impact of student exchange on cultural understanding and international awareness

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between cultural contact and attitude change. The aim is to discover whether participating in an exchange programme heightens students' levels of cultural understanding and international awareness. Questionnaires were administered to two groups of students; one that has participated in an exchange programme and a group that has not. Their attitudes towards cultural understanding and international awareness were compared on a 25-item Likert Scale. In addition, short personal interviews were conducted with the returnees to discover whether they have increased their levels of cultural understanding and international awareness. The results support the assertion that exchange programmes heighten students' levels of cultural interest and international understanding. The returnees learned about different cultures and global concepts through the most powerful teacher - life experience. Results show that participating in an exchange programme represents an important outcome, especially in a shrinking world with growing needs for cross-cultural co-operation. It is hoped that this study would encourage more students to participate in this valuable learning experience.