ERIC Number: EJ1019981
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Nov
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1028-3153
EISSN: N/A
Developing Intercultural Learners through the International Curriculum
Sample, Susan G.
Journal of Studies in International Education, v17 n5 p554-572 Nov 2013
Intercultural competence is an increasingly desired and necessary skill in a globalized world. While competence is a complex concept to define and assess, this study examines specific dimensions of the intercultural learning of students in the School of International Studies (SIS) at the University of the Pacific. Students undergo both an interdisciplinary, international curriculum and study abroad for at least a semester, taking courses on cultural adaptation before they leave and reenter. When they return from abroad, changes in their intercultural sensitivity are assessed through both direct (reflection papers and the reporting of "critical incidents") and indirect methods (use of the Intercultural Development Inventory [IDI]). We find substantial advances in intercultural sensitivity for these students, which is largely consistent across assessment methods. On average, their IDI scores change by 19.78 points, which is both a significant change for these students and is significantly different from university students who have not been a part of the international curriculum or have not studied abroad.
Descriptors: International Education, Cultural Awareness, Intercultural Communication, Foreign Countries, Universities, Interdisciplinary Approach, Study Abroad, College Students, Critical Incidents Method, Student Attitudes, Reflection, Measures (Individuals), Program Descriptions, Student Evaluation, Cross Cultural Training, Global Approach, Outcomes of Education
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Publication Type: Reports - Research; Journal Articles
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Africa; Asia; California; South America
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A