Utilizing Culturally Relevant Leisure as an Experiential Learning Tool: Implications for Leisure Studies and Recreation Education

Abstract

Study abroad provides a unique context in which opportunities for culturally relevant leisure are extremely abundant. These programs provide varying levels of cultural immersion, and culture is inherently connected to leisure. Research has demonstrated relationships between various aspects of study abroad and desired transferable skills such as intercultural sensitivity (IS). However, little is known about the relationship between frequency of participation in culturally relevant leisure and IS. This quantitative study investigated the relationship between participation in culturally relevant leisure during study abroad and level of IS. Findings suggest the importance of leisure engagement in culturally relevant media during study abroad. Implications of the use of culturally relevant leisure in study abroad and additional forms of classroom and experiential learning will be discussed.

Keywords:

• Study abroad
• culturally relevant leisure
• intercultural sensitivity
• recreation education
• experiential education