Overcoming Cultural Collision in International Partnerships: A Practical Ethical Framework for International Collaboration for U.S. Education Workers

• In Event: Reconceptualizing Boundaries and Identities Within and Across Cultures

Abstract

Scholars readily acknowledge that social and cultural borders between nations are becoming less and less conspicuous with the rapid growth of technology and international travel. The shrinking globe is at the center of many discussions on educational reform as researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders in education are becoming increasingly aware of the value of intercultural collaboration and of observing best practices from a comparative and international perspective. Though the benefits of international collaboration are clear, conflict may arise as nations come together with diverse cultural norms and beliefs. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to provide an ethical framework to guide intercultural collaborations for U.S. education workers [and workers especially from more privileged nations] entering other countries.

Author

• Lisa Bass, North Carolina State University