Predicting Changes in Cultural Sensitivity among Students of Spanish during Short-term Study Abroad

Short-term study abroad programs of less than a semester are becoming increasingly popular among undergraduate students in the United States. However, little research has examined the changes in students' cultural sensitivity through their participation in such programs or what factors may predict growth and improvement in such areas. This study measured students' cultural sensitivity before and after a six week study abroad program and found a small but significant increase in students' cultural sensitivity, with time spent interacting with native speakers while abroad predicting such increases. Interestingly, students' skill in oral Spanish, motivation, and relationship with a host family did not predict improvements in cultural sensitivity. Results also suggest that there may be an optimal amount of interaction with native speakers that is beneficial for gaining cultural sensitivity for students abroad.