Reaching Across Borders: How We Became American Cultural Ambassadors and How You Can, Too

This is the story of an American couple living in far-flung areas of the world during three decades of rapid internationalization and change. Since meeting on a study abroad program in Japan in the 1980's, Jeffrey and Shelly have participated in and led international exchange and goodwill programs in the Far East, Europe and North America, immersing themselves in challenging cross-cultural situations at every turn. Along the way, they've learned how to cope with widely differing languages, mindsets, and lifestyles forming lasting friendships and acquiring critical insights into how societies operate. They've concluded that this experience of living, working and learning with our planetary neighbors offers compelling evidence that what unites us far exceed what divides us. In this work they urge you to ponder how linked all humanity has become and suggest that despite the recent politics of fear and retrenchment, common ground can once again be found for creating a more collaborative, inspiring future.

About the Author :
Jeffrey Kealing has worked as a U.S. diplomat, professor, reporter and editor over the course of a career spent in many countries. He is a former editor at the Economist Publishing Group in New York and Tokyo, travel writer for the City Life News in Tokyo, and worked as a Managing Editor for Intersect Japan and In Review Romania magazines. He received his PhD in International Education from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and has taught there as well.

Review :
Praise for Reaching Across Borders: I am sure readers will have a hard time putting this book down. The adventures of this wonderful couple will make them envious. I am very glad to have been a part of them. --Dr. Charles W. (Bill) Gay, Former U.S. Fulbright Scholar Japan and Former Director American Language Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. I am heartened by this timely reminder that we are all capable of reaching out to our neighbors. This book captivates with detailed stories of what it takes to offer oneself as a cultural ambassador. I especially resonate with the adventures in Tokyo, as I knew them during that foundational time for bringing intercultural awareness and learning center stage. --Sheila Ramsey, Ph.D., Co-founder-Personal Leadership Seminars, LLC and our former inter-cultural trainer, Tokyo, Japan. At a time when the West seems to be regressing into more nationalistic views of the world, 'Reaching Across Borders' offers a relevant and refreshing reminder of the joy and enlightenment derived from cross-cultural experience. --Michael E. Rudder, Ph.D. Former Regional English Language Officer (RELO), U.S. Department of State, Jakarta, Indonesia. Jeff and Shelly are the people I've admired most in my life. They truly are cultural ambassadors and years ago opened my young eyes and mind to the world. This book will provide you with insights on how to overcome cultural barriers in your daily life, especially when living abroad, and how to show respect and empathy toward other cultures. If we all had the compassion and international goodwill Jeff and Shelly do, the world would definitely be a better place! --Nanako Kumamoto, Secretary General of the Japanese Association in Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand. Former American Field Service exchange student to the U.S. A book like 'Reaching Across Borders' is so urgently needed at this time if we are to eliminate the gulf between cultures and more importantly, if we are to have any humanity. I'm so glad Jeff has taken on this rejection of isolationism to help people value each other more regardless of their race, nationality, ethnicity, culture, country of origin, class, and more. We are so fortunate to have also been the beneficiary of his dedicated service to the Thai immigrant community in Los Angeles. His quest to unite -- not divide -- is the first step to conquering people's misplaced fear of 'the other', and to really seeing each other, thereby creating real and everlasting world peace. --Chanchanit (Chancee) Martorell, Executive Director, Thai Community Development Center, Los Angeles, California. Jeff Kealing's acute observations and first-hand experience living in at least five different parts of the world will be eye opening for readers who interact with different cultures, either while abroad or within their own countries. The lessons go beyond the five sites - each with their own unique cultures - that Jeff and Shelly have experienced and shared in this book. These 'lessons' are applicable not only for their fellow citizens in the U.S. but also for the citizens of the world. --Pandu Harimurti, Senior Health Specialist, The World Bank Jakarta and graduate of the International Public Policy and Management Program (IPPAM), University of Southern California, Los Angeles