The Effects of Time and Space on Developing Lifelong Learners in One Short-Term Travel Study Program

Abstract

Short term travel study programs of six weeks or less are the fastest growing study abroad programs in Canada but the least researched. The research that does exist offers little in the way of understanding how the role of the compression of time and the expansion of space, two characteristics of the shorter term programs, affect student learning. This dissertation is a qualitative interpretive case study exploring the unique learning that took place in one University of Calgary short term program, 2011 Food Culture in Spain. Through one to one open ended interviews with 12 participants, focus groups with those same participants, document analysis, key informant interviews and a personal observation journal, my research concludes that the emphasis on group dynamics affects the way students see themselves as learners. In this particular short term program interpersonal culture shock as a form of disjuncture encouraged students to see themselves as lifelong learners in a complex and globalized world. The results from this case study can help educators understand how emotional and holistic learning can help develop lifelong learning characteristics amongst 21st century post-secondary undergraduates.