Digital Identities and Study Abroad: Teaching Intercultural Competence through Social Media Literacy

Annie McNeill Gibson, Tulane University
Emily Capdeville, Tulane University

Publication Date

7-15-2019

Abstract

Social media platforms are contemporary spaces where selves are revealed and exposed in reciprocity. By imagining digital communication, technology use, and online representation in the same vein as we discuss the experiences of the physical self, the ability to adapt across cultures becomes a skill to hone online as well as in person. As such, digital media is a prime learning tool that practitioners in the field can utilize to reach their target student population no matter their physical location and during each phase of the study abroad process. In this way, study abroad offices can fulfill a mission that goes beyond the logistics of travel in order to concentrate attention on the development of student intercultural competencies.

Author Bio(s)

Annie Gibson is the Director of Study Abroad and Administrative Assistant Professor at Tulane University. Her research specialization includes Cuban and Brazilian performance cultures, immigration, travel and tourism studies, and intercultural learning. She promotes intercultural learning campus-wide and collaborates on intercultural initiatives, including the Tulane IDI Qualified Administrators Group.

Emily Capdeville is the Associate Director of Study Abroad at Tulane University. In addition to managing the operations and communications strategy of the OSA, Emily teaches Perspectives on Global Citizenship and provides Intercultural Competency Development resources to faculty, staff and students through her work with the Tulane IDI Qualified Administrators Group.