DEVELOPING COMPARATIVE STUDY COMPETENCIES THROUGH LIVED EXPERIENCES: Semester abroad

Date

2026-01-01

Author

Peker, Ender

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This chapter focuses on the values of studying abroad and experiencing diverse contexts as part of obtaining a planning degree. Spending a semester abroad places students in learning environments that foster critical thinking and systematic comparative skills. It allows students to explore the unique values of different localities while also experiencing shared global challenges. This is particularly crucial for urban planning, a discipline aimed at creating sustainable living environments through the advancement of theory and practice. To explore these values, the chapter utilises an exploratory inquiry conducted with students who have experienced studying abroad for a semester. Values are examined through in-depth interviews with students from the Department of City and Regional Planning at Middle East Technical University and reflective observations made by the author during his own time as an exchange student. The findings reveal that studying abroad provides opportunities for (i) exploring new pedagogies in planning courses, (ii) discovering international cities through the eyes of an urban planner, (iii) fostering reciprocal learning with international students, and (iv) understanding one's own strengths and limitations as part of their career journey.

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https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=105028043857&origin=inward
https://hdl.handle.net/11511/118611

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Department of City and Regional Planning, Book / Book chapter