Intercultural Knowledge Development During Short-Term Study Abroad in the Basque Country: A Cultural and Linguistic Minority Context

Abstract

This investigation examined intercultural knowledge development in a short-term study abroad program in a cultural and linguistic minority context (Basque Country, Spain). A pre- and post-program quantitative and qualitative design was used with 26 participants. The quantitative, survey-based results demonstrated an increase in intercultural knowledge over the five weeks. Qualitative analysis of interview data indicated that students’ intercultural knowledge aligned with Lussier’s (2007)description of knowledge about small c culture and included knowledge of social groups—a distinct finding from prior research. Students’ knowledge changed over the period abroad, indicating adjustment to City life and Time and Schedule norms. Additionally, knowledge growth was greatest with respect to subthemes strongly linked to the minority context (e.g. Basque ethnicity, culture, language). This study offers detailed information about intercultural knowledge development during short-term study abroad and demonstrates that minority context programs encourage development of intercultural knowledge about small c culture and social groups.