The perception gap in cross-cultural training: an investigation of British Council English language teaching projects in China

This paper examines the implementation of British Council English language teaching projects at Chinese universities. The study argues that the key to successful cross-cultural communication is an informed appreciation of the perception gap that separates donor and recipient. Cultural sensitivity and the use of a culturally appropriate methodology are of fundamental importance in educational development projects. The study argues that a local willingness to promote change is the key to sustainability of innovation. Rather than a focus on the transfer of technical skills in classrooms, the successful long-term impact of development projects depends upon professional empowerment and emancipation for the teachers.