Photovoices of Urban Educational Leadership Students Abroad in Peru

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions and experiences of educational leadership graduate students who participated in a short term study abroad program in Peru. We analyzed assignments submitted for course credit, including a total of 144 photos and 107 corresponding reflections submitted as part of the photovoice assignment. Analysis revealed that the study abroad was a transformative experience . Students drew upon their own professional experiences to make sense of their educational experiences overseas . Their experience in Peru gave them a window into the wor ld of so many students in their U S schools what it is like to be a racial and language minority enriching and informing their perspectives as educators and future educational leaders. Instructors in study abroad courses may seek a balance between th e analytical const raints of applied heuristics with the freedom that photovoice promises.