Study Abroad in Teacher Education: Delving into Cultural Diversity and Developing Cultural Competence

Abstract

In this reflective essay, two teacher educators discuss a study abroad program they have developed to prepare culturally competent teacher candidates. They position the program by reviewing literature on multicultural teacher education, field experiences, and study abroad and document a research-based rationale for the importance of study abroad programs in fostering the development of competencies in candidates that enable them to value cultural diversity and develop cultural competence. A case is made for the use of cross-cultural, multicultural narrative inquiry as the program's method of study. A description of the program, the setting for the program and student experiences in the program, as well as course curriculum and assignments that encourage students to reflect on their experiences is provided. Throughout, the authors discuss selected findings from ongoing research into candidates' experiences in the program and the impact of their experiences on their developing cultural competence.