This study of Caribbean-based institutions offering Distance Education programs from universities in North America and the UK identified stakeholder perspectives on cross-cultural issues and found stakeholder consensus on three main strategies for successfully dealing with these issues. The three broad strategies include a focus on high levels of: Contact between partners, Customization of offerings to local needs, and mutual Confidence between partners. A proposed model of interaction among these three strategies is explored, and proposals for implementing these strategies are tendered. The study also interprets the cross-cultural issues in the light of the literature on cultural differences and cultural integrity.

Dr. Richard Thompson is Associate Dean of Distance Education and International Programs at Maharishi University of Management. He works collaboratively on developing the university's distance education and international projects in Asia, Africa and other countries. He also delivers online courses with Ashford and Kaplan Universities.