Beaven, Ana Maria G. (2012) An exploration of cross-cultural adaptation in the context of European student mobility. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This study explores cross-cultural adaptation in the context of European student
mobility. It shows how the individual journeys of sojourners can be extremely
varied, and are affected by internal and external factors, such as motivations,
expectations, personality, coping strategies, skills, characteristics of the environment,
and chance, among others. This longitudinal qualitative study follows a cohort of 21
Italian university students from before their departure to a number of European
destinations, to their return back home. The data collected was in the form of
interviews and weekly “diary-tables”, used to create graphs representing the ups and
down of the individual experiences.
In terms of the research findings, I have shown how the complexities of the
adaptation process can be adequately understood within a model that caters for that
complexity, while showing that this type of experience can be situated within the
perspective of life changes. Anderson’s (1994) model seems particularly suitable in
this context.
I have also shown that European student mobility has changed since it was set up in
1987, and that increasing numbers of mobile students, the rise of instruction through
the medium of English in many HE institutions, globalisation and technology, have
changed the landscape within which these students move. Finally, I have shown how
residence abroad does not necessarily bring enhanced intercultural skills, although
these can be encouraged by providing the students with the concepts and language to
describe their experiences, and opportunities for reflection before, during and after
the experience abroad. This is the area in which HE institutions in Europe can play a
significant role.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Italian students -- Europe, Foreign study -- Europe
Official Date:	May 2012
Dates:	Date Event May 2012 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Centre for Applied Linguistics
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Spencer-Oatey, Helen, 1952-
Extent:	395 leaves : charts
Language:	eng

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