<p> The aim of this study was to gain a deep understanding of the intercultural adaptation process during a short-term study abroad in Recanati, Italy. Specifically, this study examined the influence of cultural knowledge and adaptation, the particularity of students’ identity and background and everyday living, and the ways in which students’ expectations and self-efficacy changed as a result of the study abroad experience. A grounded theory approach allowed the researcher to explain difficult situations and phenomena that occurred as a result of the study abroad through extensive interviews and observations. Nine themes emerged from the interviews. The emergent themes produced the alternative arc of cultural adaptation, which highlights cultural knowledge and cultural similarity as prominent factors. These factors create a “sojourner profile” when examining the sojourner’s possibility for alternative and traditional experiences. This profile was indicative of the sojourner’s expectations and self-efficacy upon return.</p><p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:10839325 |
| Date | 02 October 2018 |
| Creators | Ambruso, Victoria R. |
| Publisher | California State University, Long Beach |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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