A Relational-Centred International Education Partnership: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into The Lived Experiences Of Child And Youth Care/Social Care Students And Faculty

Abstract

This qualitative study examines boththe process and effects of a relational-centred international education partnership between MacEwan Universityin Alberta, Canada, and Ireland’s Athlone Institute of Technology. It also seeks to capture the meaning of and the transformative effects of theinternational education partnership on students and faculty as they evolved throughlived experience and emerged into consciousness. Data collectionstrategies included surveys, personal interviews, reflective journaling, andconversation style–focus groups. Data were analyzed by means ofphenomenological hermeneutic analysis.Three main themes emerged that were common to both students andfaculty. In addition, a number of group-specific themes emerged.