Reciprocal Learning: Building an International Student Exchange Program

In the context of an increasingly globalized world, short-term international student exchanges have been championed as a method for enhancing students’ cultural competence and building international partnerships. Despite their positive potential, these partnerships also take place between countries and institutions with colonial and imperial histories which can complicate and possibly undermine the outcomes for local organizations and communities, as well as participating students. In an effort that recognizes both the importance and risks of international exchanges, this project will inform and influence the design of a student exchange program between the University of Calgary and la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. I aim to address two main research questions: What are the key shared social issues in Canada and Mexico? and, How can short-term study abroad programs be improved to be contextually relevant and offer reciprocal benefits to all partners? TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Christine Walsh;Liza Lorenzetti

Student:

Partner:

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Calgary

Program: