To All the Nations of the World: A Postcolonial Analysis of Protestant Christian-oriented Study Abroad Programs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32674/vngxa714Keywords:
international education, postcolonial theory, proselytization, religion, study abroadAbstract
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.
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