Enhancing Intercultural Competence Through Structured Study Abroad Program

This research-to-practice paper explores learnings from a study abroad program through the lens of intercultural competence. Intercultural competence, the ability to effectively navigate and engage with diverse cultures, is increasingly rec-ognized as a critical skill in our interconnected global society. This competence is particularly important for pre-freshman students, who are at a formative stage of their educational and personal development. Recognizing the need to cultivate these skills early, this study evaluates the effectiveness of a structured study abroad program at a large Midwestern univer-sity, aimed at enhancing intercultural competence among pre-freshman students. Fifteen participants completed the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessment before and after a two-week program in Germany and Spain and maintained reflective journals. A mixed-methods approach was employed, with quantitative analysis of IDI scores and qualitative analysis of journal entries using thematic analysis. The results indicate a significant increase in IDI scores, with students moving from Polarization (86.37) to Minimization (94.36) on the Intercultural Development Continuum, suggesting enhanced intercultural understanding. Qualitative data revealed themes such as increased adaptability, deeper cultural insight, and enhanced self-awareness in students, illustrating the program's transformative potential. Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of structured study-abroad programs in fostering intercultural competence. Immersive experiences, coupled with reflective practices, can promote multidimensional growth. These findings advocate for the integration of structured international experiences into pre-freshman curricula to foster global readiness and intercultural skills. Future research should expand to other institutions and incorporate longitudinal studies to further validate and refine these educational initiatives.

I. Background

Intercultural competence is the ability to effectively interact, communicate, and collaborate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds [1]. In today's globalized world, where interactions between people from different cultures are very common, intercultural competence has become a necessary skill [2], [3]. It involves not only understanding and appreciating different cultures, but also adapting behaviors, attitudes, and communication styles to thrive in a multicultural environment [4]. Today's businesses, educational institutions, and organizations increasingly are diverse and interconnected [5]. Individuals who possess intercultural competence and interpersonal skills are better equipped to thrive in professional teamwork environments [6], [7] and personal contexts, leading to positive outcomes [8]. Intercultural competence not only enhances the ability to contribute positively in diverse teams, but it also fosters empathy, respect, and tolerance towards people from different cultures [9]. This, in turn, promotes social cohesion and harmony among team members [1], [10].