Becoming World Wise

As world travel is growing exponentially, 'œalternative'� travel has grown apace: from ecotourism, gap years, short-term mission trips, cultural travel-study tours, and foreign language study, to college-level study abroad, 'œvoluntourism'�, and international service-learning. This book is intended to help the new generation of ethical and educational travelers make the most of their international experience, and show them how to broaden their cultural horizons while also making a contribution to their host community. This book guides independent and purposeful learners considering destinations off the 'œbeaten path'� on connecting with a wider world. Whether traveling on their own, or as part of a group arranged by an educational institution, humanitarian organization, or congregation, this book will enable them to make their international encounter rewarding, authentic, enriching, and learning-oriented. This book draws on the author's extensive travel and many years of guiding college students' global learning. Richard Slimbach offers a comprehensive framework for pre-field preparation that includes, but goes beyond, discussions of packing lists and assorted 'œdo's and don'ts'� to consider the ultimate purposes and practical learning strategies needed to enter deeply into a host culture. It also features an in-depth look at the post-sojourn process, helping the reader integrate the experiences and insights from the field into her or his studies and personal life. If anyone intent on having their whole being'”body, mind, and heart'”stretched through the intercultural experience ' but perhaps have been unsure how to prepare for, or fully benefit from, it ' this book constitutes a vital road map. Becoming World Wiseoffers an integrated approach to cross-cultural learning aimed at transforming our consciousness while also contributing to the flourishing of the communities that host us. While primarily intended for foreign study and service situations, the ideas are just as relevant to intercultural learning within domestic settings. In a 'œglobalized'� world, diverse cultures intermingle near and far, at home and abroad.

Richard Slimbach is Coordinator of the Global Studies Program at Azusa Pacific University where he founded Azusa's Los Angeles Term and Global Learning Term programs. He holds a Ph.D. in comparative and international education and has extensive experience living and working abroad.