Presented By: Javonne Mullins, Wilmington College
Co-Authors: Jason Headrick, Texas Tech University
Kameron Rinehart, Texas Tech University

Today's agriculture students are tomorrow's future workforce. Employees today must welcome and understand the interrelationship of globalization (Zuo et al., 2019). Zuo et al. (2019) emphasizes future agriculturalists must be adaptable to change, whether domestic or abroad. Higher education should prepare students to become globally competent citizens (Kuh, 2008; National Research Council, 2009; Stearns, 2009; Stoner et al., 2014). Many college and university travel abroad programs' primary goals include student growth in cultural experience and global citizenship (Hoeflinger, 2012; Stoner et al., 2014).

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine specific components of global competency identified by undergraduate students following short-term travel to Kenya. Hunter's (2004) concept of global competence(GC) and social cognitive theory(SCT) (Bandura, 2002) were used to guide this study. GC is a multi-dimensional notion that requires knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to be applied to global situations. GC has been the focus of previous short-term abroad studies and demonstrated that short-term programs can impact a student's ability to develop new knowledge and skills (Schenker, 2019). SCT considers social influence within interactions among an environment or behavior. SCT is complementary for explaining personal adaptation and development in diverse cultural settings such as those experienced by students on travel abroad (Bandura, 2002).

Eleven students utilized reflective journaling prior to, during and following their trip. Entries were reviewed by researchers, identifying common themes related to The Global Competence Model (Hunter, 2004). Emerging themes indicate internal components of open-mindedness, self-awareness, and risk taking. External factors included global awareness, intercultural capability, and collaboration across cultures. Themes echo both theoretical frameworks and show the development of new attitudes, skills, and personal adaptation. They also elucidate the impact of journaling to promote personal development. Short-term study abroad opportunities impact student development and may create stronger global citizens.