ERIC Number: EJ1489365
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Nov
Pages: 33
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1085-4568
EISSN: EISSN-2380-8144
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Using Study Abroad as a Tool for Decolonizing Global Health: A Qualitative Case Study
Heather Down Sullivan; Jenna L. Hawks; Steven R. Hawks
Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, v37 n3 p154-186 2025
Decolonization address inequities in global settings that persist from colonial era practices. This pilot study gathers data from participants (student participants, n = 8; program facilitators, n = 3; local partners, n = 3) involved in a study abroad program to India and analyzes post-program perceptions related to select aims of decolonizing global health: a) valuing local knowledge, b) building lasting partnerships, c) transforming communities, and d) transformative learning for students. Data was collected through interviews and analyzed in Dedoose. Findings indicate that students, facilitators, and partners value experiential learning. Moreover, data found that all groups recognized that knowledge can be experiential and practical, creating lasting and sustainable partnerships is vital, but not all study abroad impacts are positive. Other key findings varied between groups. While students had a general understanding of decolonization, they struggled to articulate in-depth meanings. Data indicates that short-term, faculty-led study abroad experiences may be effective in promoting some aims of decolonization.
Descriptors: Study Abroad, Decolonization, Health, Indigenous Knowledge, Teamwork, Transformative Learning, Change, Public Health, Experiential Learning, College Students
Frontiers Journal. Dickinson College P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013. Tel: 717-254-8858; Fax: 717-245-1677; Web site: https://www.frontiersjournal.org/index.php/Frontiers
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

Peer reviewed
Direct link
