Intersection Between Culture and International Contexts in Early Childhood Teacher Education: Internationalisation in Action

Abstract

This article presents the concept of internationalisation and explores related discourses within the context of early childhood education. The provision of educational experiences for children prior to commencing school can be understood and enacted in many ways and such provision is typically country- and culture-specific. This article elaborates on the variation within which early childhood education opportunities are afforded to children and understood in the profession. Four qualitative, autobiographical narratives explore intercultural practices in New Zealand and Sweden, using aspects of Sorrell’s (2016) intercultural framework to illustrate how internationalism links to early childhood education teacher education. The model’s six key elements of (i) inquiry, (ii) framing, (iii) positioning, (iv) dialogue (v) reflection and (vi) action inform our perceptions and experiences as early childhood educators, and the influence of internationalisation on practice.