At best, mobility broadens horizons and gives rise to collaborations that contribute to the greater good. To make the most of this potential, a receptive audience is needed: curious colleagues and students, an open-minded public. Paradoxically enough, one also needs the luxury of immobility.
Paper long abstract
This proposed contribution draws on my experiences in the field(s) of folklore studies in Estonia, Finland and the United States.
I argue that at best, mobility broadens horizons and gives rise to lasting opportunities for collaboration that contribute to the greater good. However, to make the most of this potential, a receptive audience is needed in the broadest sense of the term: besides curious colleagues and students in one's own and other disciplines, an open-minded public. Paradoxically enough, one also needs the luxury of immobility.