The practice of intercultural education has a long history. Since ancient times, countries all over the world have been carrying out cultural exchanges and learning in different ways and at different levels, such as international tourism, visits, study abroad, research and immigration. All these have the nature of cross-cultural education practice.

As a research field, the theoretical discussion of cross-cultural education began in the 1960s.

As an educational trend of thought, cross-cultural education rose in the 1990s, which is inseparable from the vigorous advocacy and efforts of UNESCO.

Cross-cultural education advocated by the international community aims not only to urge children of all countries to respect their own cultural background, but also to promote understanding of other cultures, enhance mutual justice, unity and tolerance, and guide them to face cultural differences in the world with an open mind. Cross-cultural education is regarded as one of the effective tools to create a pluralistic society and respect equal human rights. It encourages intercultural communication, promotes international understanding and communication, reduces conflicts and promotes world peace.

At present, the concept of cross-cultural education has surpassed the previous concepts of immigrant education, minority education, multicultural education and bilingual education, and gradually formed a new educational concept, which has become the trend of educational development and the international educational trend and movement.