Romance of Crossing Borders: Studying and Volunteering Abroad

People are drawn to study abroad or volunteer in far-off communities for romance, liberation, attraction to the unknown, and yearning to make a difference. This volume explores how affect is managed by educators and mobilized by students and volunteers, and how these structures of feeling relate to broader social and economic forces.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Berghahn Books

People are often drawn to study abroad or volunteer in far-off communities for a variety of reasons, including romance. The allure of landscapes, people, languages, and the sense of border-crossing can be incredibly captivating. Additionally, there is a longing for liberation, an attraction to the unknown, and a desire to make a difference in the world. This volume delves into the complex and often fraught desires to study and volunteer abroad, shedding light on how educators manage affect and how students and volunteers themselves mobilize these structures of feeling in relation to broader social and economic forces.

The romance of landscapes, people, languages, and the sense of border-crossing is a powerful draw for people who are interested in studying abroad or volunteering in far-off communities. The idea of exploring new cultures, meeting new people, and learning new languages can be incredibly exciting and fulfilling. Additionally, there is a longing for liberation, an attraction to the unknown, and a desire to make a difference in the world.

Educators play a crucial role in managing affect and facilitating these desires. They can create environments that are conducive to learning and personal growth, and they can also provide support and guidance to students and volunteers as they navigate the challenges and rewards of studying and volunteering abroad.

Students and volunteers themselves also mobilize affect in their experiences. They may be drawn to a particular location or community for personal reasons, such as a family connection or a shared interest in a particular subject. They may also be motivated by a desire to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and broaden their horizons.

However, studying and volunteering abroad can also be complex and challenging. Students and volunteers may face cultural barriers, language difficulties, and logistical challenges, and they may also experience feelings of isolation and homesickness. It is important for educators and volunteers to be aware of these challenges and to provide support and guidance to students and volunteers as they navigate them.

In conclusion, the romance of landscapes, people, languages, and the sense of border-crossing is a powerful draw for people who are interested in studying abroad or volunteering in far-off communities. Educators play a crucial role in managing affect and facilitating these desires, and students and volunteers themselves mobilize affect in their experiences. It is important for educators and volunteers to be aware of the challenges and rewards of studying and volunteering abroad and to provide support and guidance to students and volunteers as they navigate these experiences.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789208337