ORCID

0000-0001-7324-6261

Keywords

Transformative Tourism Experiences, TEFL Tourism, Long-term Tourism, Niche Tourism, Cultural Immersion

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological and behavioral transformation resulting from long-term cultural immersion, using TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) tourism as a lens to examine how deep, lasting change unfolds. While prior literature has primarily classified TEFL as a niche form of tourism, its potential to facilitate enduring personal transformation has not been empirically assessed. This research addresses that gap by applying Transformative Learning Theory and the Model of Transformation within the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework to explore how TEFL experiences lead to transformation, satisfaction, and long-term re-engagement. Uniquely, the study also examines two underexplored temporal moderators – duration of stay and elapsed time since experience completion – to assess how time influences the sustainability and nature of transformation.

Methodologically, the study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) on survey data collected from 203 former and current TEFL participants. The model integrated experiential triggers and cognitive/affective mechanisms to predict transformational outcomes such as self-change, behavioral (conative) change, and re-engagement intentions. Moderation analyses using interaction terms in SmartPLS tested whether the strength or direction of key structural relationships varied across temporal conditions.

Findings confirmed that transformation occurs across multiple dimensions, with time serving as a significant contextual boundary condition. Duration of stay strengthened the effects of challenging experiences and internal reflection processes, while elapsed time since completion revealed patterns where effects either weakened or reversed. Four significant interaction effects were identified for duration of stay, and seven for elapsed time, reflecting both partial and full moderation patterns. Direct effects further indicated that both recency and immersion length were positively associated with transformational outcomes. Collectively, these results underscore the dynamic, time-sensitive nature of transformation and establish TEFL tourism as a valuable context for understanding sustained psychological change over time.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Shapoval, Valeriya

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Department

Hospitality Services

Format

PDF

Identifier

DP0029595

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Campus Location

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

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