Similar to Lester McCabe’s (2010) article the concept of exotic needs to be defined before study abroad programmes can incorporate the idea of the exotic into their programme, mission statements and goals. Based on the readings, particularly Shubert (2008), Woolf (2006), and Zemach-Bersin (2007) , as well as experience exoticism can be experienced in both traditional and non-traditional study abroad programmes. The structure and location of the study abroad experience define the extent to which a student experiences exoticism, paralleled with their own established identity, course of study, and abroad experiences. Study abroad in exotic locations cannot be merely defined in a Westernised frame, as represented by most of the authors in question, but rather need to be considered in a global perspective.
Study abroad programmes are often propelled by the Two-Pronged Crisis: the first an external threat, a creation of negativity towards the nation-state, and the second an internal threat, the seeding of self-doubt and division (Zemach-Bersin 2007). Regardless of the study abroad experience, students are thought to benefit on the whole (McCabe 2010). However, regions of interest often play into the national interest and remain driven by the commercial market (Shubert 2008; Zemach-Bersin 2007). Due to this driving factor and the self-selecting bias of students partaking in study abroad programmes the magnitude of exoticness varies greatly.
The introductory case provided by Zemach-Bersin (2007) of Patrick, a student studying abroad in Ghana, provides a great example of the ill-defined nature of exotic study abroad experiences. Patrick was treated like a God at the village in which he was residing in. The situation could have just as easily resulting in him being treated like a normal foreign student, had he been stationed at a larger city or university. In this case, and several others, it is not the selected country that is exotic but the university’s selection of particular location and the student’s individual experience during the study abroad and out of it.
Woolf (2006) challenges the idea of creating non-traditional study abroad programmes that pursue exotic experiences, claiming they are developed to assist with the national security and expand with student appeal of travelling to exotic places. This not only presents a very western idea but also fails to address how those travelling to the Western world through study abroad programmes will view the experience. Shubert (2008) expands on the idea of creating these experiences, justifying them by stating that a student’s location shapes their perspective. The implication is that the more exotic the location, the more the students’ identity is challenged through reflection and critique.
Shubert (2008) also addresses the issue of study abroad being market driven. Of course, if a study abroad programme is not monetarily successful, not matter how exotic the experience, it will not survive the competitive market. Primarily students, sometimes their families, are the decision makers for which programme they will pick, the location, duration, etc. often the determining factors. Due to the self-selecting bias, students are looking for different things. While students may want to go through a non-traditional location, the experience must be presented in a manner they consider valuable (Shubert 2008).
Despite brochures filled with pictures of exotic locations and an itinerary promising new experiences, students may not have the exotic experience they hoped for. The question then becomes, ‘how does a programme guarantee an exotic experience that cultures growth and reflection?’ Take for example, the Semester at Sea experience. While a student is able to travel to various, new, and exotic locations they are not integrated with the ‘local people’ nor are they exposed to a native language or culture. Depending on how the students shape their experiences afloat, this exotic journey may not be as exotic as desired. On the same note, a student may wish to have a tradition study abroad location which they find to be too exotic.
Firstly the concept of exotic must be defined within the expectations of the student, the study abroad programmes, and even the universities integrating the programmes. Despite common belief an exotic location may not guarantee an exotic experience. It is then left up to the programme structure to incorporate a full integration, to avoid student isolation, and to thoroughly research regions of interest before sending students abroad. Merely increasing accessibility to study abroad programmes does not guarantee successful participation.
Lastly, the students themselves must be considered. While the national interest and security are often taken into consideration while choosing exotic locations, student interest must also be considered. As mentioned in the readings the study abroad industry is a vast enterprise, one that requires constant tuning of student interest to stay afloat in the competitive economic market.
Works Cited
McCabe, L. T. (2001). Globalization and Internationalization: The Impact on Education Abroad Programs. [Article]. Journal of Studies in International Education, 5(2), 138-145.
Shubert, A. (2008). “The Pursuit of Exotica:” A Comment. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 15, 197-201.
Woolf, M. (2006). Come and See the Poor People: The Pursuit of Exotica. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 13, 135-146.
Zemach-Bersin, T. (2007). Global citizenship & study abroad: It’s all about US. Critical Literacy: Theories and Practices, 1(2), 16-26.