Perspectives on cross-cultural research: reflecting on research in an expatriate Indian community in the UK

Abstract

A way forward in the emerging societal structures is to engage in cross-cultural research for enhanced understanding of multi-ethnic sites in national and international contexts. (Shah, 2004, p. 549)

In the course of a small-scale research project with an expatriate Indian community two Western researchers at a British university have reflected on the international dimensions of their work. This paper presents the experience and the thoughts of the researchers about their work on this project, reflecting some of the challenges of working globally in higher education. The researchers comment upon how the work reported might impact their future practice as teachers and researchers in higher education, working in an increasingly international context. Reflecting on the impact of engagement with the project, implications for teaching and learning in higher education are discussed.

Keywords:

• cross-cultural research
• intercultural understanding
• higher education
• teaching and learning