Crossing Borders: International Research and Teaching Alliances in Counseling Psychology

1. 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

2. 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 Participants

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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!

9. 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

10. 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