Crossing Borders: International Research and Teaching Alliances in

Counseling Psychology

Co-organizers: Mary Sean O’Halloran, PhD & Catherine Phillips, BA

International Counseling Psychology Conference

Chicago, IL

Chicago Hilton, Room 4A

March 7 & 8, 2008

Participants

Amanda Beer Geoff Bathje Maria Coutinho Len Jennings Theresa Kruczek Yan Li Erin Logue Erica Marchand Kate Margolis

Melissa Morgan Kerry Murphy Maigenete Mengesha Mary Sean O’Halloran Amy Owen Chul Park Catherine Phillips Laura Ramzy Donna Schultheiss Maria Zarlengo

Crossing Borders: International Alliances in Teaching and Research AlliancesMajor Issues

Major Issues Awareness: of Self and Others within the cultural context Being Educated about the country and culture you are visiting Creating Connections: key informants, identifying mentors, networking at

conferences, joining relevant associations

Enhancement in the following areas: Teaching/Learning Research Consultation Graduate Students Technology Living Abroad

Teaching/Learning Abroad

Role of the Professor: Expert or non-expert, Hierarchy within the institution, classroom

Role of Students: Levels of Interaction Structure of Courses: Differences in Syllabi, Assignments, Grading Requirements Language and Communication: Using a translator, Formal and idiomatic

expressions/slang Considering the Broader Culture:

Gender Roles- how your gender effects the way you are viewed by students, administrators.

Age and authority What is appropriate/taboo to discuss in the classroom Responsibility of the professor to learn how the history of the country you are teaching in

has affected the culture US Students Abroad:

Different Expectations, Roles, Respect, Interactions with other students Preparation for interacting with other cultures Travelogue vs. Immersive Experiences

Research Developing relationships with experts/authority figures within a culture Quantitative Research Considerations

Assessments: Translation into other languages Cultural Relevance of research topic and assessments

Benefits of Qualitative Research Important to use a translator who has been trained in the area of research; however,

information can still be lost. This must be addressed in the study. Community / Action Based Research

Inclusion of the local community as co-researchers Ensuring that the local community benefits from the research, during and after the project

Expectations of the local community for the researcher to be the expert Incentives for the local culture to participate Research in countries that do not utilize traditional Western counseling Different ethical standards in other countries

IRB considerations when conducting research abroad Being an ambassador: representing the USA, Counseling Psychology, your institution, etc… Publishing in International journals: advantages and disadvantages Respecting the culture you are conducting research in -- you are a guest of that culture

Consultation Developing training programs abroad

Using US models abroad Advantages and Disadvantages of adapting US Models

• Get an understanding of the current situation and then share your knowledge

• Be clear that this is what you are doing• Difficulties receiving critical feedback in some cultures• Having a personal relationship with a local can help to get honest feedback

Development of ethical codes ACA/APA ethical codes translated and adapted to the culture

Benefits for US and the other country that is collaborating Be cautious of who you are collaborating with; check credentials

Graduate Students Utilize online sources that have information

about funding, opportunities abroad Join International organizations for students Contact the office of International Study at your

school Contact those who are currently conducting

research in the area and country you are interested

Technology Skype: web cam service, can be used for

outside practicum, classes, etc Online Language Classes/Tutoring

Speakshop.com (Spanish) Be aware of the variability of technological

resources in other countries Be careful with adaptors and surge protectors:

hard drives can be burned up Backup!

Living Abroad Considerations for the spouse: opportunities to work, volunteer,

take courses in cooking, dancing, other cultural opportunities Banking: to open or not open an account, using wire transfers,

using an International bank Taxes: do you pay US taxes, pay in the host country, Visas: Have your visa taken care of before you go. Do you need a

work visa, an extended traveler visa Awareness about local crime-scams, pickpockets, etc Housing: having realistic expectations for housing abroad Kids: preparing kids for different food, housing,

Finding connections for kids in the community Different gender roles for children abroad

Next Steps/Future Involvement Article about the opportunities for graduate

students to study abroad Article regarding the practical side of teaching,

researching, studying, living abroad Create a listserv or Google Group to keep in

touch Development of a graduate courses or

practicum abroad program