Cross-Cultural Perspectives of International Doctoral Students: Two-Way Learning in Library and Information Science Education

Year 2007, Volume: 3 Issue: 1, 44 - 64, 01.04.2007

Bharat Mehra Ann P Bishop

Abstract

This paper draws upon a case study of library and information science (LIS) international doctoral students in the United States and documents their perspectives to identify ways to further internationalization. Internationalization is defined as incorporating non-US issues and elements into LIS education. The study explores internationalization in the context of a “two-way” learning process in which international students gain from the discipline, but also LIS education gains from the crosscultural experiences of the students. Documenting the perspectives of LIS international doctoral students provides a critical outlook by giving voice to an under-represented group. It also becomes a methodological exchange. strategy to represent global diversity and facilitate cross-cultural exchange.

Keywords

internationalization, cross-cultural perspectives, international doctoral students, two-way learning

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