Treffer: Promoting Intercultural Competence and Cultural Responsiveness: The Impact of Short-Term Study Abroad on In-Service Teachers

While the benefits of study abroad experiences for preservice teachers are well-documented, research specifically focusing on in-service teachers is limited. The study addresses this gap by exploring the experiences of 51 American teachers who participated in a short-term study abroad program in South Korea. This research investigates how the immersive learning experience impacted participants' development of intercultural competence and their ability to create culturally responsive learning environments. Analysis of participant applications, reflections, individual interviews, and field notes reveals that immersion in an unfamiliar setting fostered greater empathy for immigrant students, strengthened relationships with minority students, and enhanced their ability to create culturally responsive learning environments. However, the impact was limited for teachers working in less diverse schools with few Korean students. These findings highlight that in-service teachers' study abroad experiences are not only personally impactful but also enhance their classroom teaching and interactions with culturally diverse students and families.

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