Suchergebnisse

Student exchange is associated with many positive outcomes, however, little is known about the experiences that drive such changes. The aim of the current qualitative study was to explore how exchange students conceptualize the processes of change and development during exchange within an identity framework. Twenty interviews were conducted with Australian and French exchange alumni aged 19–23 years. Thematic analysis identified two major themes of change with specific associated driving experiences titled " I did it, so I can do it" and " I know who I am, I know what I want." The second theme included two subthemes addressing an increased valuing of diversity and interest in international experiences. Three themes of influencing factors showed that students' attitudes, previous experience, and family environments could impact exchange outcomes. The findings suggest that identity development is central to development during exchange, with the findings aligning with pre-existing models from the identity literature.

International mobility experiences such as student exchange can promote identity development and cultural awareness. However, little research has assessed such processes using a master narrative framework. This study explored undergraduate student perspectives on how changing cultural contexts and the associated cultural master narratives influence identity development during university exchange experiences. Twenty interviews were conducted with Australian and U.S. exchange students aged 21-22 years. Thematic analysis identified a process model of master narrative awareness and associated responses incorporating three key elements: contexts of awareness, identity responses, and experiences of self-transformation. A fourth theme highlighted the influence of individual identities as interaction effects in these processes. The findings show that exposure to diverse master narratives during student exchange enhances students' awareness of their own and other master narratives, which supports identity development. The study provides new insights into the ways intercultural experiences shape master narrative awareness and identity in emerging adults.