In the online learning environment, communication and collaboration occur from a distance. In the absence of non-verbal communication cues (such as facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice), understanding, communication, and interaction rest largely on individual assumptions and interpretations. The magnitude of these communication challenges increases as cultural differences among communicators widen. The purposes of this study are to: (1) discuss the role of effective intercultural communication and collaboration in the Web-based collaborative learning community; (2) examine helpful strategies utilized by both instructors and learners in a Web-based curriculum model where diversity is treated as a fact and collaboration among learners of diverse backgrounds as the norm; and (3) discuss future implications for integrating technology into curriculum targeted to global learning populations. (Contains 28 references.) (Author/AEF)