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Opportunities are now available for physical therapists to move onto the global scene as they become involved in international service-learning work. Professional core values and a code of ethics set the stakes on knowing quite high. The familiar experience of performing one´s professional duties is altered by the context of the international setting. This book utilizes descriptive phenomenology to examine the phenomenon of not-knowing for physical therapists engaging in international service work. The essence of not-knowing for physical therapists engaged in international service-learning work was signified by four constituents which have implications for those who engage in this work and for programs sponsoring this work. By better understanding the physical therapists´ experience we can better anticipate the kinds of support needed for those who engage in international service work. Seeing moments of not-knowing as opportunities to learn may provide us with a cornerstone for building better relationships with people involved in health care across cultures and nations.

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Susan G. Klappa PT, PhD: Education, Curriculum & Instruction Family, Youth, & Community from the University of Minnesota. MPT: Studied Physical Therapy at the College of St. Catherine. Involved in international physical therapy work. Assistant Professor at St. Catherine University, Minneapolis, MN.

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