The Visiting International Faculty Program, Inc., a Cultural Exchange Program: A look at Participants' Perceptions of their Role in one North Carolina School District.

摘要

As our society becomes more global and student population becomes increasingly diverse, it is vital that students gain a global perspective. A clear focus of education in the 21st century is the emphasis placed on diversity and educating students to be successful in a global society. Schools and their staff, particularly teachers, have the ability to impact students and influence their perspectives of other cultures. Through hiring culturally diverse teachers, such as those employed through the Visiting International Faculty Program, Inc. cultural exchange program, school systems diversify their teaching force and provide students the access to adults from other countries and cultures. This study investigated the teachers who participate in the Visiting International Faculty Program, Inc. cultural exchange program in Johnston County Schools, North Carolina, specifically looking at why they chose to participate and what they perceived their impact to be on their students.;The teachers in this study were asked seven interview questions via electronic communication (e-mail). Overwhelmingly, the teachers shared that they chose to participate in the Visiting International Faculty Program, Inc. cultural exchange program for their own professional growth and development. They also shared that it gave them an opportunity to be fully immersed in the English language and American culture. When asked about their impact on their students, they shared that they felt their students had learned about different cultures, but they had also learned tolerance and appreciation of people's differences. Most teachers also responded that they will take what they themselves have learned from this experience with them to their next experience, either returning home to teach or to another country. While most teachers shared very positive views of their experiences and their students, it has not been without its challenges. They spoke of difficulties in adapting to the specific teaching assignments, finances, and adjusting to testing and accountability efforts.