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Experiential learning is widely used at the post-secondary level, but it requires intentional curricular planning, and proper facilitation from the instructor. The effects of experiential learning in agricultural education settings at the higher education level have not been tested extensively. Therefore, additional examination is needed to inform the practice of college faculty, especially those who wish to implement effective experiential learning in their teaching. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of reflection mode (peer verbal or written journal reflection) and transfer level (same, near, or far transfer) on students' post-course knowledge retention in an undergraduate, animal science, laboratory course. In total, 114 students were divided among six treatment groups using a quasi-experimental, two-way, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) design. There was no statistically significant interaction effect between reflection mode and transfer level on students' post course retention, nor were there statistically significant differences for theses main effects. While no treatment group was statistically significant, this does not mean that the mode of reflection or level of transfer were not effective practices. Rather, no reflection mode, transfer level, or combination thereof was more effective than the others. Practitioners of experiential education should seek to implement holistic models of experiential learning, which includes the facilitation of learner reflection and application, in order to foster an educative experience.

This study was conducted to understand how students’ cultural awareness, knowledge, sensitivity, and communication abilities combine to influence their development of cultural competence. Q methodology (Q) was used to capture the subjectivity and lived experiences of participants of an international experience (IE) and assess the impact of the program on their cultural competence development. When viewed through the lens of the Personal Cultural Competence Enhancement Framework (PCCEF), findings suggested students’ cultural competence development could be interpreted through three typologies: (a) Cultural Learners, (b) Cultural Engagers, and (c) Cultural Samplers. Cultural Leaner students demonstrated new awareness of their limited amounts of cultural knowledge and desired to learn more about other cultures through future travel, but were still apprehensive about engaging and communicating with people from other cultures. Cultural Engagers, on the other hand, expressed greater confidence in stepping out of their comfort zones and communicating in a different language. Lastly, Cultural Samplers demonstrated increased awareness of the benefits of experiencing other cultures and they comforts they have back home, and they expressed a desire to continue traveling abroad in the future. These findings support the use of short-term IE programs as supplemental activities to foster agricultural students’ progression toward cultural competence.