Abstract:

This investigation explores the phenomenon of becoming mindful of culture via study abroad as experienced by international and host participants. It is the aim of this project to add to efforts that help students abroad and host participants actively engage in intercultural encounters and meaningful communication. A phenomenological approach is taken and participants include international students in Costa Rica and hosts who are involved with international programs in their own communities. Narrative descriptions are written from interview transcripts and phenomenological reduction illuminates themes of meaningfulness for these participants. Themes are expectations, contrast, understanding/not understanding, language, identity, relational associations, and change. The essential structures that identify the experience are relational associations, contrast, and attention. A richer understanding of the phenomenon contributes insight into the processes of cultural learning and exchange, can be applied to program development and assessment of impact and goals, and adds to current understandings of intercultural communication.