Hosting an international conference on multiculturalism in an Arab Israeli teachers’ college: a reflection on personal and organizational learning

Abstract

Purpose Conferences, while central to academic endeavors, are an understudied research site. This purpose of this study is to describe the experience of an Arab Israeli teachers’ college in hosting a large international academic conference on multiculturalism, conducted entirely in English. Most of the academic staff and all of the students are Arabic speakers. This added a layer of challenge for all our faculty and students. Design/methodology/approach This reflective, retroactive and descriptive case study builds on the above points. It is a reflective “case story” told by the college head. Findings This paper describes the benefits and growth experienced by each of the involved parties, which resulted in a changing academic culture and new academic self-confidence and vision for all concerned. This paper also details weaknesses and opportunities missed. Envisioning, planning and bringing to fruition this conference was a crucible experience for the college, enhancing our multicultural understanding, learning and commitment. Originality/value This reflective description offers an original perspective on multiculturalism through the lens of an international conference hosted by an academic institution where the native language is not English.