Eager To Exchange? Teachers and their motivation for international exchanges in Dutch secondary education.

Abstract

International exchanges between schools are an essential part of the growing internationalization of secondary education in the Netherlands. Despite political and scientific encouragements, the number of international exchanges within secondary education remains relatively low. How can this discrepancy between educational ideals and reality be explained? Prior research indicates that teachers are the main actors in the organization and execution of international exchanges. This study sets out to investigate the motivation of teachers who do partake in this specific form of education. Six interviews provide a starting point from which the tasks, goals and concerns of teachers involved in international exchanges are analyzed. The conclusions that derive from this analysis lead to suggestions for further research and practical recommendations on international exchanges. Examining the role of the teacher could in turn generate new insight in how the number of international exchanges within Dutch secondary education can be stimulated.