ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we are going to explore intercultural communication in the contexts of study abroad and tourism. In both contexts, people visit and stay in a place for a short period of time. We are interested in fi nding out what opportunities and problems these contexts bring for intercultural contact. Although we look at each context separately, the boundaries become blurred due to improved communication technology and cheap means of travel. Consider the following cases:
• Heather took a gap year and joined a study abroad programme in Spain. She stayed with a local family.
