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Transformative Learning through International Immersion: Building Multicultural Competence in Family Therapy and Counseling
Author(s) -
McDowell Teresa,
Goessling Kristen,
Melendez Tatiana
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of marital and family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.868
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1752-0606
pISSN - 0194-472X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2010.00209.x
Subject(s) - transformative learning , cultural competence , experiential learning , psychology , multiculturalism , competence (human resources) , transformational leadership , cultural sensitivity , pedagogy , counselor education , multicultural education , graduate students , critical consciousness , medical education , psychotherapist , higher education , medicine , social psychology , political science , law
This study explores the experiences of graduate students who completed one of two international courses facilitated by family therapy faculty in a U.S. master’s‐level counseling psychology department. Participants reported that international courses were personally and professionally transformative. Spending time in a foreign country gave them opportunities to learn from cultural differences, ultimately increasing the social and global awareness required for multicultural sensitivity. Experiential learning, reflection, and dialogue resulted in raised critical consciousness among participants. In this article, we discuss the transformational learning processes embedded in international courses and the potential benefits of these experiences on the development of multicultural sensitivity in family therapists and counselors in training.