Facilitating adolescent identity development through sister cities international

In this article, the authors qualitatively investigate the travel experiences of adolescents from thesoutheast US who engaged in an 11-day Sister City International exchange program in NorthernIreland that is characterized by a mix of service-, civic-, and tourism-based activities. Situated withinthe theoretical frameworks of identity development theory and rites of passage, the authors exploreidentity development among adolescents as a result of participation in the exchange program. Findingsindicate that participants engaged in processes of identity exploration and commitment, markedby identity-related motivations, an acknowledgment of normative behaviors, greater appreciation fortheir national and cross-cultural identities, and a desire to integrate travel into their lives. Significantlife events, such as travel experiences, may create liminoid spaces, which can initiate positive identitydevelopment when reinforced by peer support, positive and immersive engagement with hostcommunities, and meaningful service.