Exploring Student’s Experience to International Exposure: A Phenomenology Study of Learning Program

(Study at Intercultural Communication and Self-Development)

Abstract

Vocational education not only encourage students to practice what theories brought to them but also supported them to be able to engaged with some international activities that is done by either internal institution or private organization. Learning program is one of the international activities that connects one of Polytechnic students in Singapore and Politeknik Negeri Ujung Pandang’s students. It is a program that is held every once a year and acquire students to solve the problem from the issues given by the facilitators. The limitation of this research is four students from Business Administration Department. This 12-day program consisted of 59 students and 6 facilitators with diverse cultural and environmental backgrounds and disciplines, requiring them to interact together to discuss three social projects and generate 6 problem-solving ideas. This research uses qualitative-phenomenology method where four students form Business Administration Department were in-depth interviewed regarding the program. It aims to explore of student’s experience to international exposure during the program. After conducted a program, there are some evaluations showed up such as: self-efficacy, hands-on experience, and adaptation’s encouragement are three key points to be able to networks globally. After completed the research, the finding shows that students felt an eye-opening experiences, gaining self-efficacy, and global mindset.