To All the Nations of the World: A Postcolonial Analysis of Protestant Christian-Oriented Study Abroad Programs
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| Title: | To All the Nations of the World: A Postcolonial Analysis of Protestant Christian-Oriented Study Abroad Programs |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Joshua Patterson, Melissa Whatley, Anna Kelly |
| Source: | Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 2025 17(1):105-123. |
| Availability: | Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 3107 B Hampton Highway, Yorktown, VA 23693. e-mail: oic213@lehigh.edu; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jcihe/index |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Protestants, Christianity, Study Abroad, Religious Education, Religious Colleges, Comparative Education, Web Sites, Religious Factors, Program Descriptions, Geographic Location, Stereotypes, Colonialism, Foreign Policy, College Administration, College Students, Foreign Countries, Institutional Characteristics, Institutional Mission |
| ISSN: | 2151-0393 2151-0407 |
| Abstract: | This study uses a basic qualitative design to explore faith-integrated study abroad programming at Protestant Christian affiliated institutions in the United States, with a particular focus on comparing programs in Majority and Minority worlds. Guided by postcolonial theory, and informed by critical lenses of globalization, we analyze curricular content found on the webpages of four US higher education institutions. Study abroad trips are compared across four vectors: how Protestant Christianity is integrated into the programs; how programs are described; the activities undertaken; and the images used to promote them. Results reveal stark and pervasive differences in how programs are depicted, depending on their location in the Majority or Minority world, that reinforce negative stereotypes and colonial/imperial narratives regarding the Majority world, contrasted with the Minority world. These results have important implications for both individuals who work directly with study abroad and to leaders more generally at Protestant-affiliated institutions. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1477339 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study uses a basic qualitative design to explore faith-integrated study abroad programming at Protestant Christian affiliated institutions in the United States, with a particular focus on comparing programs in Majority and Minority worlds. Guided by postcolonial theory, and informed by critical lenses of globalization, we analyze curricular content found on the webpages of four US higher education institutions. Study abroad trips are compared across four vectors: how Protestant Christianity is integrated into the programs; how programs are described; the activities undertaken; and the images used to promote them. Results reveal stark and pervasive differences in how programs are depicted, depending on their location in the Majority or Minority world, that reinforce negative stereotypes and colonial/imperial narratives regarding the Majority world, contrasted with the Minority world. These results have important implications for both individuals who work directly with study abroad and to leaders more generally at Protestant-affiliated institutions. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2151-0393 2151-0407 |
