Comm, Culture Study Abroad

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Have you studied abroad and want to process and share your experiences? Are you considering studying abroad, but would like to know more about languages, cultures and expectations? Are you wondering how you can build on a study abroad experience for your future career? This new course offered in the Department of linguistics will allow students to explore these questions while deepening their understanding of the connections between study abroad, and learning about foreign languages and cultures: • Foundations of Study Abroad o When did students begin to study abroad and why? History, background and context of study abroad. What factors are helpful to consider when choosing/reflecting on a study abroad experience? • Study Abroad for Language Learning o Expectations and reality of language learning outcomes. How to get the most out of linguistic opportunities and interactions abroad. • Cross-Cultural Communication in Study Abroad Contexts o Cross-cultural differences and problems that can arise, how to recognize and address issues including encountering new dialects (British English, for example), and how language, gender, power and politics can interact during a study abroad. o Issues of bicultural understanding, acquisition and development • Educational implications o Using study abroad to collect data (interviews, photos, archival work) for a senior thesis or final paper. Short-term summer program to and preparation for full semesters abroad. Setting realistic but ambitious goals for language and culture learning. o How to use a study abroad experience for your career preparation, for graduate programs, or to find research opportunities. o Discussion of the implications of study abroad for the Georgetown community and beyond."