This unique book provides a wealth of wisdom from an experienced interculturalist and sojourner who has been traveling with students for more than 40 years. Given that international experience alone is not sufficient, this book provides in depth insights, including from students, on how to make the most of international experiences -including enhancing participants' intercultural competence. This is a must read for any teacher preparing to take students abroad. -- Darla K. Deardorff, PhD, author/editor, SAGE Handbook of Intercultural Competence; executive director, Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA)
Prepare to be enlightened, as Cushner invites you to foster positive relationships among citizens of our global community by exploring academic insights while traveling the world through the stories of others. This is a most timely, practical, and valuable addition to nearly 40 years of scholarly evidence proving the value of international/other cultural experience in preparing today's students for their future. -- Craig Kissock, PhD, director, EducatorsAbroad ltd.
Teachers are embarking on an increasing number of international ventures with students of all ages. This book presents a wide array of valuable firsthand experiences designed to better prepare teacher travelers and help to reduce the anxiety they may feel when first facing many of the unknowns they are likely to encounter when traveling with young people. -- Heather Gibson, professor of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management, University of Florida
Ken Cushner has infused his immense experience as a global ambassador and advocate for globally competent teaching into the new edition of his book. By sharing his perceptions, and those of teacher candidates with whom he has worked over the years, Ken shows readers how to prepare for international teaching experiences in ways that foster the development of global competence. The book provides a solid foundation for rich and meaningful experiences teaching abroad. I highly recommend it to anyone preparing to teach abroad and to those who prepare them. -- Sharon Brennan, PhD, professor and director of Field Experiences, University of Kentucky
There is nobody more qualified to write a book such as this than Ken Cushner who has spent his career advocating for the importance of integrating international and intercultural experiences into the education of young people. Taken together the well-organized and timely collection of chapters in this new edition represents the most comprehensive guide available for designing and implementing impactful learning experiences abroad. The narratives are captivating and the advice - learned through decades of first hand experiences - is priceless! -- David M. Moss, PhD, director, Global Education & Associate Professor, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut
As international study-travel gains popularity in at all levels of education, Ken Cushner reminds us that mere placement in another country does not necessarily result in students' intercultural development or expanded worldview. Dr. Cushner provides a framework for impactful international immersion experiences defined by meaningful preparation for the trip, scaffolded on-site requirements, thoughtful guided reflections, and post-trip follow-up, which together, launch participants on a trajectory of lifetime growth and development. His penchant for story-telling, including stories in the words of students for whom he has facilitated such experiences, brings to life the learning that can take place when international study-travel is done the right way. If you are new to the field of intercultural experiential learning, or you are seeking to strengthen programs you already offer, Dr. Cushner's book is for you. -- Laura L. Stachowski, PhD, director, Global Gateway for Teachers, Indiana University
