Towards Respectful Engagement: Reflections and Reccomendations From Host Country Facilitators in Short- Term Study Abroad

Efforts to increase cross-cultural learning, while promoting understanding of social and political forces in particular country and regional contexts, has increased opportunities for short-term study abroad. Effective dialogue among faculty, students, and host-country nationals during study abroad is possible through skillful preparation and facilitation to maximize global understanding. Inter-country collaboration requires building relationships to negotiate reasonable expectations. Describing study abroad courses that were conducted in Romania, Guatemala, Belize, and South Africa, we collaborate with our host country facilitators. Their reflections focus on cross-cultural learning, language, and respect for cultural differences and provide important considerations for planning study-abroad courses.