Beyond Tourism: A Practical Guide to Meaningful Educational Travel

by Kenneth Cushner

Overview

If young people are to be adequately prepared for a complex and interdependent global society, educational experiences must consider the broader world in which teachers and their students live. Teachers can be central to the process of intercultural development, and must encourage and model an intercultural orientation for their young students as well as for their communities. A critical dimension of achieving intercultural understanding and competence is personal experience. In Beyond Tourism, Kenneth Cushner examines the development of intercultural competence through various dimensions of student travel and intercultural encounters, both for the classroom teacher conducting group travel as well as individuals embarking upon student exchange programs, intensive summer experiences, and international student teaching. The author examines: aspects of cross-cultural orientation, trip planning and preparation, intercultural adjustment, in-country experience and post-experience impact through his experiences of organizing and leading international and intercultural educational programs for children, pre-service, and in-service teachers on all seven continents. Cushner integrates current research on the intercultural experience and relates it to his personal travel experiences while providing guidelines to enable educators to integrate reflective travel as an active part of the educational experience of young people. Multicultural, social studies, and foreign language teachers, international educators and study abroad officers, and those interested in experiential education will find this book invaluable.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578861545
Publisher:	R&L Education
Publication date:	09/10/2004
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	172
Product dimensions:	6.66(w) x 8.84(h) x 0.53(d)

About the Author

Kenneth Cushner is associate dean of Student Life and Intercultural Affairs in the Kent State University College and Graduate School of Education. He is a frequent contributor to the professional development of educators through consulting, writing, workshops, and travel programming. Ken is author or co-author of numerous such books and articles, including Human Diversity in Education: An Integrative Approach, 4th ed. and Intercultural Interactions: A Practical Guide, 2nd ed..

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 1. Teacher as Traveler—Travel as Teacher Chapter 2 2. Get Ready, Get Set—Before You Go Chapter 3 3. Traveling with Class: The Trip Begins Chapter 4 4. The Power of Travel Occurs Off the Beaten Track Chapter 5 5. Learning to Travel Is Learning to See: Developing Intercultural Sensitivity Chapter 6 6. Change Your Latitude, Change Your Attitude: Facilitating Adolescent Adjustment Chapter 7 7. Learning to Live Together: Bringing Intercultural Boundaries with Youth Dialogue Chapter 8 8. The Making of World-Class Teachers: International Student Teaching Chapter 9 9. Beyond Tourism: The Importance of Experience on Impact Chapter 10 10. Building Trust, Relationships, and Commitment, Even Though Sometimes Things Go Wrong Chapter 11 11. Making It Work for You: Travel Tips and Resources Chapter 12 References Chapter 13 About the Author

What People are Saying About This

Richard Brislin

Kenneth Cushner's activities in international education have been extensive. He has done research, has taught in other countries, has participated in the development of international curricula, and has led groups of students to many different countries. I can think of no better person to guide educators, and their students, through the challenges and benefits of international travel

Editorial Reviews

Cushner examines the development of intercultural competence through various dimensions of student travel. He explores such issues as cross-cultural orientation, trip planning and preparation, and intercultural adjustment, drawing on his own experiences organizing and leading international and intercultural education programs.

Reference and Research Book News

International educators frequently seek intercultural competence as an outcome of study abroad. What this involves is developing in the sojourners a mindset of global knowledge, a skillset for interactions, and a heartset of respectful curiosity. Ken Cushner takes us on a journey where we can experience such approaches to study abroad through both his stories as well as his academic insights. He exemplifies putting 'theory into practice' as he illustrates for the leaders of travel adventures the warm reality and meaningful challenges they will face. For the students or participants on study abroad, his conceptual frameworks provide a substantive new way to view their impending experience. And for the interculturalist, his perspective reveals the underlying structure of the seemingly effortless experience of other cultures. He indeed shows the reader the way to develop intercultural competence.

Janet Bennett

Kenneth Cushner's activities in international education have been extensive. He has done research, has taught in other countries, has participated in the development of international curricula, and has led groups of students to many different countries. Ican think of no better person to guide educators, and their students, through the challenges and benefits of international travellll

Dr. Richard Brislin

Cushner examines the development of intercultural competence through various dimensions of student travel. He explores such issues as cross-cultural orientation, trip planning and preparation, and intercultural adjustment, drawing on his own experiences organizing and leading international and intercultural education programs.

February 2005 Reference and Research Book News