Journal Article

Ethical Guidelines for Study Abroad: Can We Transform Ugly Americans into Engaged Global Citizens?

Rotabi, Karen Smith, Gamble, Dorothy N., Gammonley, Denise

2006

Overview

Study abroad has become a common experience for American social work students. However, there is little guidance for facilitation of such courses in an international context. As a result, there is a risk that students and facilitators can perpetuate the privileged and ‘Ugly American’ image. Providing guidance for prevention of such mistakes, the authors present a conceptual model for international learning, based on an ethical framework founded on personal values and supported by traditional ethical principles and values. Included are the pillars of social justice and human rights, community capacity, dignity and worth of the person, self-determination, boundaries, competence, facilitated learning in a safe environment and integrity. Finally, consciousness-raising as professionals, respectful engagement in context, and intercultural competence are discussed.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press,OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS,Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subject: American people / Communities / Competence / Conceptual models / Cultural relations / Education / Errors / Ethics / Foreign Students / Group facilitation / Guidance / Human dignity / Human Rights / Intercultural competence / International students / Learning / Learning environment / Morality / Overseas students / Respect / Self determination / Selfdetermination / Social ethics / Social Justice / Social work / Social Work Education / social work values / Students / Study abroad / Travel / United States / United States of America / Values