Document Type
Thesis
First Faculty Advisor
Patricia Gomez
Second Faculty Advisor
Cedric Oliva
Keywords
experience abroad; language; empathy; food neophobia; tolerance of ambiguity
Publisher
Bryant University
Rights Management
CC-BY-NC-ND
Abstract
This study examines the implication that experience abroad has on cultural empathy, food neophobia, tolerance of ambiguity, and language. The study's purpose is to use quantitative methodology to measure the effects of experience abroad and numerically show how these experiences allow us to nurture openness to new concepts of culture and food. An online survey was used to gather data to draw meaningful conclusions concerning the relationship between experience abroad, cultural empathy, food neophobia, tolerance of ambiguity, and language. The results of this study show that those who speak more than one language show lower levels of food neophobia, indicating they are more likely to try new foods. Experience or time spent abroad was also considered, showing that those with more experience abroad show lower levels of food neophobia. Additionally, those with more experience abroad tend to show higher levels of ethnocultural empathy. It can be concluded that speaking more than one language and having greater experience abroad is positively associated with openness to culture and food.
Comments
This study was conducted for the purpose of fulfilling the Bryant University Honors Program requirements for Emily Magri.