A Post-Intentional Phenomenological Exploration of Undergraduate Students’ Understanding of Global Leadership Through Short-Term Study Abroad Leadership Courses

Abstract

Many colleges and universities within U.S. higher education make claims about their graduates understanding global leadership. In addition, American higher education has a unique opportunity to promote global leadership to help address our world’s most pressing issues, including education and healthcare disparities, violence towards those with marginalized identities, climate change, wars, and more. There are limited methods that provide students with the learning and development needed to have an understanding of global leadership. Short-term study abroad leadership courses are an emerging practice which aim to increase students’ understanding of global leadership, yet little is known about students’ experiences.Utilizing a post-intentional phenomenological framework, this qualitative study seeks to explore how the phenomenon of undergraduate students’ understanding of global leadership may take shape through their participation in short-term study abroad leadership courses. A secondary research question explores how might the particular context of short-term study abroad leadership courses provoke students’ understanding of global leadership. Interviews with a diverse sample of twelve students, representing three institutions from current students through alumni, were explored in addition to researcher post-reflexion and thinking with theory to produce an understanding of global leadership through participation in short-term study abroad leadership courses. Four key productions of the phenomenon were found including developing a leadership identity, influences of experiences, perceived impact of short-term study abroad courses on understanding of global leadership, and application of global leadership. Based on these productions of the phenomenon, recommendations and approaches for practice, policy, and research are provided.