ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book explains the merits of narrowing the gap between theory, research, and practice and also underscored the benefits of embracing critical perspectives in all facets of work in international education. It highlights exciting, cutting-edge contributions that are re-shaping the field. The book argues that divergent conceptions of culture can influence the way one designs and conducts research. It examines some of the most influential paradigms or worldviews that have guided and continue to steer investigations of interculturality in study abroad contexts, namely (post-)positivism, interpretivism, constructivism, critical theory, and pragmatism. The book discusses the impact of culturalism on the development of study abroad interventions so that readers would have a better sense of historical developments in this field of research and be better equipped to review related presentations and publications, and plan future studies.
