Cultivating cosmopolitan, intercultural citizenship through critical reflection and international, experiential learning

Abstract This paper explores the notion of cosmopolitan, intercultural citizenship in relation to intercultural education and study abroad. As part of a larger investigation of the second language sojourn, the individual developmental trajectories of more than 100 Chinese university students were examined to better understand their language and intercultural learning and identity expansion. This paper presents an illustrative case study of a young woman who took significant steps toward a more sophisticated, cosmopolitan self through deep reflection and intercultural interaction in localized, global spaces. Critical cultural awareness and experiential learning (both at home and abroad) were key elements in her journey toward intercultural, global citizenship, intercultural communicative competence, and a broader, more balanced, sense of self.