Students' Pre-Departure Expectations and Post-Sojourn Observations in a Short-Term International Program Abroad on the Culture, Music, and Art of Brazil

• Published in: International education Vol. 37; no. 2; pp. 17 - 29
• Main Author: Dekaney, Elisa Macedo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Knoxville College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 01.04.2008; University of Tennessee, College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
• Subjects: Advantaged; Architecture; Brazil; College Students; Colleges & universities; Comparative Analysis; Cultural Awareness; Cultural differences; Foreign Countries; Foreign language learning; Globalization; Higher education; History; International education; International Programs; Language Proficiency; Music; Portuguese; Poverty; Second Language Learning; Social Differences; Social Structure; Study Abroad; Teaching Methods; Undergraduate Study; World Views; Brazil
• ISSN: 0160-5429

Little is known about the benefits of short-term international programs that concentrate specifically on the subject matter found in the fields of art and music. This article investigates a short-term international program that focuses on the culture, music, and art of Brazil. Findings show that students studying abroad enhance their world view and openness to diversity. Participants were able to compare and contrast their social structure at home with Brazilian society, where the difference between the poor and the rich is grossly evident. Students enrolled in this program also showed great interest in learning Portuguese, Brazilian art, history, and architecture. The study also suggests that pre-departure on-campus lectures and meetings in preparation for the short-term program helped participants anticipate and understand certain social, cultural, and artistic characteristics of the host country prior to departure. (Contains 2 tables.)