Promoting the Development of Intercultural Competence in Higher Education Through Intercultural Learning Interventions

Abstract

Introduction. This article analyses the impact of an intercultural learning intervention in a Spanish university post-European Higher Education Area implementation. Objective. Our research’s main objective consisted of measuring the development of intercultural competence in the first cohort of a Translation and Intercultural Communication bachelor’s degree in a Spanish university, before and after taking specific courses in intercultural studies and spending a study abroad semester. Methodology. A mixed methodology was implemented, in which the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) was used as a measuring instrument. Additionally, in-depth personal interviews were conducted to complement the data obtained. Results. The results of this study show that the programming and sequencing of specific courses, together with experiences abroad, contribute to the development of intercultural competence. Conclusions. More intercultural learning interventions are needed in higher education courses to develop and build an intercultural campus and educate global citizens. When applying intercultural learning interventions and intercultural methodologies, students develop their intercultural competence, a key competence for 21st-century graduates.

The Impact of Street Interviews on Chinese EFL Undergraduates’ Intercultural Communicative Competence

“…The results of the present study can be compared with some of the previous studies indicating a positive impact on learners' ICC development by interventions of creating intercultural settings for students to interact with people of different cultures. For example, Nevado-Llopis and Sierra-Huedo studied the impact of specific courses and studying abroad on students' ICC development, and they found that the interventions effectively improve students' intercultural competence [1] . Similarly, Tecedor and Vasseur examined the ICC development by the intervention of videoconferencing conversations between second language learners and native speakers, and the findings provided enlightenment in accurately identifying the development process of learners' intercultural competence and planning proper training interventions [11] .…”

“…With the development of globalization and internationalization, intercultural communicative competence (ICC) is a fundamental prerequisite in the workplace, and it is also regarded as one of the major skills required for university students [1] . However, the ICC of Chinese EFL (English as a Foreign Language) undergraduates is not as good as expected [2] .…”

“…However, the ICC of Chinese EFL (English as a Foreign Language) undergraduates is not as good as expected [2] . Among the previous studies, most explored the relationships between ICC and other variables, such as Ghasemi and Ahmadian [3] , Nadeem et al [4] , and Novikova et al [5] ; some explored effective interventions to improve learners' ICC, such as Nevado-Llopis and Sierra-Huedo [1] and Stambouli and Sarnou [6] . However, there are few qualitative studies on the impact of street interviews on ICC development.…”

Parents’ Assumptions and Beliefs about the Impact of Cultural Diversity on Children: A Preliminary Study in Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, and Spain

“…Cultural integration does not happen automatically through contact with multicultural groups, unless the experience is transformed into a learning experience that develops intercultural competence [15][16][17]. Teachers must therefore be trained not only to implement methods such as cooperative learning, but also to understand the processes involved in adaptation to and integration into a different culture, and to transform the learning environment using intercultural interventions if they are to enhance their learners' intercultural competence [18].…”

The Effect of Self-Efficacy, Competence, Work Discipline, Employee Engagement on Work Performance and Work Motivation: Empirical Study on Umrah Travel Agency

“…This requires reflecting on your achievements and failures, as well as changing your goals and strategies based on your learning experience. By following these steps, you can develop your skills in specific areas and improve your overall performance and efficiency (Bentué et al, 2018;Sierra-Huedo & Nevado-Llopis, 2022).…”