Perceived Longitudinal Effects of SLMTs

Abstract

This current study analyzed the long-term holistic development of intercultural competency in undergraduates who participated in a short-term service-learning missions trip (SLMT). We compared alumni who had participated in the program against a control group who did not. As expected, the SLMT group had significantly higher perceived intercultural competency in the scales of Knowledge, Awareness, Behavior, Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Growth, Intellect, and Spirituality. It was also found that alumni who participated in the SLMT in conjunction with a study abroad trip experienced significantly higher gains in all eight of the competency scales when compared to those who only participated in the SLMT and the control group. Furthermore, there were no significant differences found between the SLMT time cohorts (2–7, 8–13 post-experience) for six of the eight competencies. We conclude by discussing how the intentional use of preparation, reflection, and debriefing are critical for perceived changes in short-term missions’ experiences.