Abstract

Using the context of international study tour groups, this study examined the personal and professional
transformation that occurred among host faculty and staff at The University of Montana-Missoula as a result of
their interactions with traveling academics from other countries. Data were collected from participant responses
(n=27) using a mixed-methods design, utilizing a quantitative survey while simultaneously embedding
qualitative questions. Quantitative responses to the survey were analyzed with descriptive statistics to generate
key findings. Thematic coding strategies were applied to the qualitative responses in order to inform and help
further explain the quantitative data, thereby providing greater clarity in addressing the research questions that
framed this study. Findings from the analyses provided evidence that participants experienced increased
inspiration and desire for self-improvement, self-discovery, and ultimately transformation. Given the reported
findings, it behooves institutions of higher education to actively seek out intercultural experiences by hosting
international study tour groups.

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