What is Cultural Adaptability

Study abroad opportunities specifically designed for PK-12 pre-service teachers in their disciplines are rare as a part of education degrees. While the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of international experiences for pre-service teachers are not without challenges, the gains for participants and strides toward the globalization and re-humanization of the profession are well worth the efforts for internationalization of teacher preparation. This chapter focuses on the experience of establishing teach abroad programs in India and South Africa for education majors at the University of Missouri. The overarching goal of this culturally-immersive experience is to better prepare future teachers to effectively perform in multicultural classrooms. The program seeks to promote the development of the participants' cultural self-awareness and adaptability, and to facilitate their access to firsthand experiences with diverse world views.