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Abstract
A qualitative case study approach was used to explore the phenomenon of intercultural interactions among different roles in the Earthwatch Institute's ‘Chinese Village Traditions’ project, conducted in Shaanxi, China, in 2008. On-site observation, in-depth interviews, and related documentation were utilized to explore guest–host relations. The study investigated the perceptions and experiences of the 4 principal investigators, 4 student helpers, 10 international volunteer tourists, 5 domestic volunteer tourists, and 3 members of the host family. The results showed some linkages among the expectations, motivations, and intercultural interaction experiences of the different roles. The findings provide a first look at the intercultural interactions among different roles within an international volunteer tourist project in China, offering an insight into a neglected field.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the PIs: Dr. Anrong Dang, Dr. Jin Feng, Dr. Jiang Lu, and Dr. Yanfeng Liu and team members of the Earthwatch Institute's ‘Chinese Village Traditions’ project. Without their kind-hearted help and guidance, I could not have completed this research. In addition, I extend deep gratitude to Dr Louis P. White for his assistance and advice in preparing the manuscript. Finally, I thank the reviewers and editors of Current Issues in Tourism, whose comments enhanced and enriched this article in many ways.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.