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Chris Middleton

Do field studies abroad provide intercultural experience?

Email: chris.middleton2@ncl.ac.uk

Project title

What effects does a Field Study abroad have on the intercultural competence of postgraduate students?

Supervisors

Project description

This is a cross-disciplinary project between Civil Engineering and Education disciplines.

We are investigating whether residential field trips provide students with the preparation needed for placements in today’s global environment. University STEM/Engineering training remains technology-heavy. It is light on the intercultural communication skills demanded by international companies. Perhaps what is really important is:

  • “the ability to reflect on misunderstandings, ask questions, and adopt a different perspective. That’s what intercultural competence is all about. It’s about learning how to deal with differences and diversity” (Moosmüller, 2014)

Interests

International cross-cultural studies; sustainable urban transport; cycling, hiking and photography.

Qualifications

  • MA TESOL and PGCE (Modern Languages): Newcastle University
  • MA Lit.u.Erz.wissensschaft: University of Osnabrück
  • BA German and European Studies: University of Southampton