Emotions in Intercultural Conflicts in a Study-Abroad Programme: Experiences at Semester at Sea (SAS)

This chapter focuses on the emotions in intercultural conflicts in students attending a study-abroad programme at Semester at Sea (SAS). In this study-abroad programme, students studying on board ship visit various countries for one semester. The SAS programme aims to promote the development of future global leaders through its academic and socio-cultural training. The chapter is framed by theories of emotions and intercultural conflict experiences to present and interpret the qualitative findings, responding to the research question: What intercultural conflicts do students experience during SAS and how do they deal with these experiences emotionally? This qualitative study included a sample of 21 students who participated in the study during the Fall 2022 voyage. Data were collected through self-written, subjective and reflective essays. The findings detail the students’ experiences of intercultural conflict and how they deal with these conflicts and with their emotions while aiming to become global leaders. Recommendations for future research and intercultural conflict management practice are given for study-abroad programmes which aim to develop future global and international leaders.