(Non)Preparation to Live in Another Country: Cross-Cultural Experiences as Precursors of Transformative Learning among Nigerian Immigrants in Italy

Migration is a significant life event that usually triggers cross-cultural preparedness and the need for learning, even transformative learning. This exploratory study answers two research questions: How do Nigerian immigrants describe their preparedness for cross-cultural transition in Italy? What are the indications of transformative learning processes and outcomes in the immigrants' narrations? Emerging results from six semi-structured interviews with six Nigerian immigrants in Italy are presented. Narratives and themes from the interviews showed evidence of preparation (nonlearning and learning) as well as nonpreparation for cross-cultural transition among the immigrants. Participants' preparedness was associated with their motivation to emigrate, cross-cultural experiences, and proficiency in the Italian language. Also, their cross-cultural experiences pointed to different aspects in processes and outcomes of transformative learning. Disorienting dilemmas of individual participants were identified. The study concluded a further inquiry could show how Nigerian immigrants' cross-cultural transition leads to various outcomes of transformative learning. [For full proceedings, see ED628982.]