The present study attempted to identify which aspects of global citizenship education (GCE) cultivate college students’ altruistic values and behaviors by exploring a private liberal arts college in Southern California in the United States. Serving a diverse student population with 50% international, this all-residential college aims to nurture global citizens living a contributive life. One of the unique features of its curriculum is the one-semester study abroad mandatory for all students, including international students. Using a quantitative method, the present study examined students’ global citizenship qualities as manifested in their altruistic behaviors, measured by their willingness to help and support others. The survey also included students’ assessment of curricular and co-curricular programs regarding their altruism development. An invitation to take the survey was sent to 454 undergraduate students enrolled at the liberal arts college as of January 2023, and 135 students participated in the study. All participants were aged 18 years or above. Fifty-seven percent of the participants were international. A correlational analysis found that global citizenship qualities were manifested in their altruistic behavior. However, the amount of time spent in college did not predict their altruistic behavior—likely due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple regression analyses suggested the significance of human interaction, particularly with students having diverse backgrounds, on campus in developing altruistic values and behaviors. The findings contribute to scholarship by offering a new venue and insight into nurturing an altruistic mind through GCE.

Authors:
Kazumi Yamamoto, Soka University of America, United States
Tomoko Takahashi, Soka Univeristy of America, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Tomoko Takahashi is Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of Linguistics and Education at Soka University of America in Southern California. Her research interests include cross-cultural communication and global citizenship education.

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tomoko-Takahashi-3

Additional website of interest
https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=mKpdEkIAAAAJ&hl=en

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