Moving toward decoloniality in short-term study abroad under New Colombo: constructing global citizenship

Abstract

This paper focuses on an Australian university short-term study abroad programme in India part-funded by the Australian Government New Colombo Plan–an initiative that facilitates transformative people-to-people encounters. Our chief interest is extending our reach, through photo diaries and interviews, to understand how participants’ experiences are transformative, how their knowledge production practices contribute towards constructions of global citizenship, and where opportunities to shape future participants’ learning may exist. We explore decolonial possibilities for short-term study abroad under New Colombo, contextualising our inquiries historically while exploring the concepts of global citizenship and decoloniality–ideas that provide a framework for analysis. Although short-term ventures are problematic for enabling two-way benefits, we contemplate how such programmes may still offer space for moving toward decoloniality.