Reflections by participants on the interaction with their hosts (PLA 57)

The mutual benefits experienced by both hosts and visitors are evident in some of the earlier testimonies in this issue of PLA 57. But despite the appreciation expressed by the hosts, it is highly likely that the guests gain most. Apart from the practical pressures placed on poor families looking after visitors from unfamiliar cultures, it is the guests who sought out the encounter, who experience novelty and stimulation, and who leave with new ideas and perspectives that will enhance their personal and professional lives. Here, IZZY BIRCH et al. return to the dilemmas experienced in the interaction between host and visitor, some of which are explored further in the closing editorial for this issue.

Participatory Learning and Action (PLA, formerly PLA Notes) is the world's leading series on participatory learning and action approaches and methods. PLA publishes articles on participation aimed at practitioners, researchers, academics and activists. All articles are peer-reviewed by an international editorial board.

Guest editors: Izzy Birch, Raffaella Catani with Robert Chambers.