| Our changing interconnected world demands that students have knowledge and understanding of world events, other cultures, and languages. In higher education in terms of international education, and specifically at Ohio University, ethnically diverse students have not considered study abroad in larger numbers. The goals of this study are: (1) to provide some base data on students of color in relation to study abroad, (2) to define perceived barriers to study abroad, and (3) to determine if there is a relationship between selected demographic variables of a diverse student population at Ohio University, and attitudes of cross-cultural effectiveness. During Fall Quarter, 2000, 114 African American, Latino and Multiracial students were surveyed to gather demographic information, and using the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI), to measure four dimensions of cross-cultural effectiveness (emotional resilience, flexibility and openness, perceptual acuity, and personal autonomy). The data was analyzed using descriptive data, and ANOVA set at <.05 alpha level. Results from the demographic survey indicated that there was high parental educational attainment, medium to high parental income, prior travel experiences by students, and Europe was still regarded as an important travel destination in addition to Africa and South America. Barriers identified were similar to those previously found in the literature. These included financial constraints, fears associated with racism, and leaving the country, and lack of language competency. Results of the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory indicated that over half the students were highly emotionally resilient, half were flexible and open, and half had high perceptual acuity and personal autonomy. One significant finding was that males were found to be more emotionally resilient than females. It is recommended in further research, to include Asian American and Native American populations, and conduct impact studies on students of color who study abroad. |
