Investigating higher education students’ intercultural readiness for
academic mobility
The present study describes the development and initial
empirical testing of a new instrument of intercultural competence. By employing
this scale, Turkish Erasmus students’ intercultural sensitivity was examined at
a pre-departure stage. The study also investigated whether gender, participation
in pre-departure orientation activities and university type (private vs. state)
had any influence on the students’ intercultural readiness. Student participants
(N = 89) from two state and two private universities in
Turkey were involved in the investigation. The data were analyzed using a
standard set of psychometric procedures including factor and reliability
analyses. For the comparative analyses, T-tests and Anova tests were conducted.
Results indicated this new scale to be a reasonable approximation of students’
intercultural readiness for academic mobility. Finally, the participants were
found to be quite ready for their Erasmus experience from an intercultural
communicative perspective.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Theoretical framework
- 2.1Intercultural competence
- 2.2Indicators and assessment of intercultural competence
- 2.3The mobile students’ Intercultural Profile Scale (the IC Profile)
- 3.Methodology
- 4.Data analysis
- 4.1Scale reliability
- 4.2Factor analysis
- 5.Results concerning the participants’ intercultural readiness for academic
mobility
- 6.Comparative investigations on gender, type of higher education institutions and
participation in pre-mobility orientation activities
- 7.Conclusions and limitations
-
References
References (77)
Aba, D.
(
2015)
Towards an intercultural communication competence tool for
academic mobility purposes.
Journal of Intercultural Communication, 391. Retrieved from
[URL]
Aba, D.
(
2016)
Addressing intercultural experience and academic mobility in
higher education.
Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 45(6), 487–502.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Aguilar, M. J.
(
2009)
Intercultural communicative competence in the context of the
European higher education area.
Language and Intercultural Communication, 9(4), 242–255.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Almarza, G. G., Martinez, R. D., & Llavador, F. B.
(
2015)
Identifying students’ intercultural communicative competence at
the beginning of their placement: Towards the enhancement of study abroad
programmes.
Intercultural Education, 26(1), 73–85.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Alptekin, C.
(
2002)
Towards intercultural communicative competence in
ELT.
ELT Journal, 56(1), 57–64.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Alred, G., Byram, M., & Fleming, M.
(
2003)
Intercultural experience and education. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Anderson, P. H., Lawton, L., Rexeisen, R. J., & Hubbard, A. C.
(
2006)
Short-term study abroad and intercultural sensitivity: A pilot
study.
International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 30(4), 457–469.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Arasaratnam, L. A.
(
2006)
Further testing of a new model of intercultural communication
competence.
Communication Research Reports, 23(2), 93–100.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Ashwill, M. A., & Oanh, D. T.
(
2009)
Developing globally competent citizens: The contrasting cases of
the United States and Vietnam. In
D. K. Deardorff &
D. Bok (Eds.),
The SAGE handbook of intercultural competence (pp. 141–157). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Bakioglu, A., & Certel, S. S.
(
2010)
Erasmus programina katilan ogrencilerin akademik
yasantilarinin nitel olarak incelenmesi [A qualitative investigation of Erasmus students’
academic lives].
Avrupa Arastirmalari Dergisi, 18(2), 37–62.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Barnett, G. A., & Lee, M.
(
2002)
Issues in intercultural communication research. In
W. B. Gudykunst, &
B. Mody (Eds.),
Handbook of international and intercultural communication (2nd ed.) (pp. 275–291). London: Sage.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Beaven, A., & Borghetti, C.
(
2012)
Intercultural education resources for Erasmus students and their
teachers. Retrieved from IALIC Conference, Intercultural Dialogue: Current Challenges, Future
Directions. Durham.
[URL]
Behrnd, V., & Porzelt, S.
(
2012)
Intercultural competence and training outcomes of students with
experiences abroad.
International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 36(2), 213–223.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Bennett, J. M.
(
2009)
Cultivating intercultural competence: A process
perspective. In
D. K. Deardorff &
D. Bok (Eds.),
The SAGE handbook of intercultural competence (pp. 121–140). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Bhawuk, D. P., & Brislin, R.
(
1992)
The measurement of intercultural sensitivity using the concepts
of individualism and collectivism.
International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 161, 423–436.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Bracht, O., Engel, C., Janson, K., Over, A., Schomburg, H., & Teichler, U.
(
2006)
The professional value of Erasmus mobility. Kassel, Germany: Final Report, International Centre for Higher Education Research, Incher.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Bredella, L.
(
2003)
For a flexible model of intercultural
understanding. In
G. Alred,
M. Byram, &
M. Fleming (Eds.),
Intercultural experience and education (pp. 15–31). Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Bridges, D., Trede, F., & Bowles, W.
(
2009)
Preparing students for international placements: Developing cultural
competence, ethical practice and global citizenship. Sydney: Charles Sturt University, Education for Practice Institute.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Byram, M.
(
1997)
Teaching and assessing intercultural communicative competence. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Byram, M., Gribkova, B., & Starkey, H.
(
2002)
Developing the intercultural dimension in language teaching, A practical
introduction for teachers. Strasbourg: Council of Europe.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Byram, M., & Parmenter, L.
(
2012)
The common European framework of reference: The globalisation of
language education policy. Bristol: Multilingual Matters.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Catteeuw, P.
(
2012)
A framework of reference for intercultural competence. Brussel: Artoos / Kampenhout.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Chen, G., & Starosta, W.
(
2000)
The development and validation of the intercultural communication
sensitivity scale.
Human Communication, 31, 1–15.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Corbett, J.
(
2003)
An intercultural approach to English language teaching. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Cots, J. M., Aguilar, M., Mas-Alcolea, S., & Llanes, À.
(
2016)
Studying the impact of academic mobility on intercultural
competence: A mixed methods perspective.
The Language Learning Journal, 44(3), 304–321.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
De Wit, H.
(
2010)
Internationalization of higher education in Europe and its assessment,
trends and issues. The Hague: NVAO Nederlands-Vlaamse Accredietatieorganisatie.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Deardorff, D. K.
(
2006)
Assessing intercultural competence in study abroad
students. In
M. Byram, &
A. Feng (Eds.),
Living and studying abroad (pp. 232–256). Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Deardorff, D. K.
(
2009)
Synthesizing conceptualizations of intercultural competence: A
summary and emerging themes. In
D. K. Deardorff, &
D. Bok (Eds.),
The Sage handbook of intercultural competence (pp. 264–270). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Deardorff, D. K., & Bok, D.
(Eds.) (
2009)
The Sage handbook of intercultural competence. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Demircioglu, S., & Cakir, C.
(
2016)
Intercultural competence of students in international
baccalaureate world schools in Turkey and abroad.
International Education Studies, 9(9), 1–14.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Dörnyei, Z.
(
2007)
Research methods in applied linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Durmus, B., Yurtkoru, E. S., & Cinko, M.
(
2013)
Sosyal bilimlerde SPSS’le veri analizi [
Data analyses in social sciences with
SPSS]. Istanbul: Beta Basim AS.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Fantini, A.
(
2000)
A central concern: Developing intercultural
competence.
Addressing intercultural education, training and service.
SIT: Occasional Papers Series, Retrieved from
[URL]
Fantini, A. E.
(
2009)
Assessing intercultural competence: Issues and
tools. In
D. K. Deardorff &
D. Bok (Eds.),
The SAGE handbook of intercultural competence (pp. 456–476). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Fantini, A., Arias-Galicia, F., & Guay, D.
(
2001)
Globalization and 21st century competencies: Challenges for North
American higher education.
A working paper series on higher education in Mexico, Canada and the
United States. Colorado: Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
FitzGerald, H.
(
2003)
How different are we? Spoken discourse in intercultural
communication. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Fritz, W., Möllenberg, A., & Chen, G.-M.
(
2000)
Measuring intercultural sensitivity in different cultural
context. Technische Universität Braunschweig.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Hammer, M. R., Bennett, M. J., & Wiseman, R. L.
(
2003)
Measuring intercultural sensitivity: The intercultural
development inventory.
International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 27(4), 421–443.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Hammer, M. R., Gudykunst, W. B., & Wiseman, R. L.
(
1978)
Dimensions of intercultural effectiveness: An exploratory
study.
International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 2(4), 382–393.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Hismanoglu, M.
(
2011)
An investigation of ELT students’ intercultural communicative
competence in relation to linguistic proficiency, overseas experience and
formal instruction.
International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 351, 805–817.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Humphrey, D.
(
2007)
Intercultural communication competence: The state of knowledge. London: CILT, The National Centre for Languages.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
INCA. Intercultural competence assessment
Jackson, J.
(
2008)
Globalization, internationalization, and short-term stays
abroad.
International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 321, 349–358.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Karakas, A.
(
2013)
Intercultural attitudes of Turkish students studying in a UK
university.
Journal of Intercultural Communication, 311.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Krajewski, S.
(
2011)
Developing intercultural competence in multilingual and
multicultural student groups.
Journal of Research in International Education, 10(2), 137–153.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Kumpikaite, V., & Duoba, K.
(
2014)
Developing core competencies: Student mobility
case.
Science Direct, Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 991, 828–834.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Lostetter, E. N.
(
2010)
Gender differences in students’ experiences of study
abroad (Unpublished MA thesis). University of Oregon.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Meier, A. J.
(
2015)
The role of noticing in developing intercultural communicative
competence.
Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 1(1), 25–38.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Murphy-Lejeune, E.
(
2003)
An experience of interculturality: Student travellers
abroad. In
G. Alred,
M. Byram &
M. Fleming (Eds.),
Intercultural experience and education (pp. 88–101). Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Nilsson, P. A.
(
2014,
May).
Great expectations among outbound Swedish exchange students: A
case from Umea University.
Proceedings from 2014–2020: A New Challenge for the Coordinators of the
European Projects. Retrieved from
[URL]
Novinger, T.
(
2001)
Intercultural communication: A practical guide. Austin TX: University of Texas Press.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Paige, R. M., Jacobs-Cassuto, M., Yershova, Y. A., & DeJaeghere, J.
(
2003)
Assessing intercultural sensitivity: An empirical analysis of the
Hammer and Bennett’s intercultural development inventory.
International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 27(4), 467–486.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Papatsiba, V.
(
2006)
Study abroad and experiences of cultural distance and proximity:
French Erasmus students. In
M. Byram &
A. Feng (Eds.),
Living and studying abroad (pp. 108–133). Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Paunescu, M.
(
2008)
Students’ perspectives upon their mobility: The experiences of
Romanian, Polish and Bulgarian outgoing students. In
M. Byram &
F. Dervin (Eds.),
Students, staff and academic mobility in higher education (pp. 184–203). Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Pearson-Evans, A.
(
2006)
Recording the journey: Diaries of Irish students. In
M. Byram &
A. Feng (Eds.),
Living and studying abroad (pp. 38–63). Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Philipsen, G.
(
2002)
Cultural communication. In
W. B. Gudykuns &
B. Mody (Eds.),
Handbook of international and intercultural communication (2nd ed., pp. 51–67). London: Sage.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Pogorelova, I.
(
2016)
A study of intercultural adaptation and the development of
intercultural sensitivity of Catalan / Spanish university students during
study abroad. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona. Retrieved from
[URL]
Portalla, T., & Chen, G.-M.
(
2010)
The development and validation of intercultural effectiveness
scale.
Intercultural Communication Studies XIX(3), 21–37.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Powell, J. J., & Finger, C.
(
2013)
The Bologna Process’s model of mobility in Europe: The
relationship of its spatial and social dimensions.
European Educational Research Journal, 12(2), 270–285.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Roberts, C.
(
2003)
Ethnography and cultural practice: Ways of learning during
residence abroad. In
G. Alred,
M. Byram, &
M. Fleming (Eds.),
Intercultural experience and education (pp. 102–114). Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Roy, L.
(
2006,
June).
In search of the global graduate: Transforming international experience
into intercultural competence. Library and Archives, Canada.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Sandhu, D. S., & Asrabadi, B. R.
(
1994)
Development of an acculturative stress scale for international
students.
Psychological Reports, 75(1), 435–448.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Sercu, L.
(
2010)
Assessing intercultural competence: A framework for systematic
test development in foreign language education and beyond.
Intercultural Education, 15(1), 73–89.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Sinicrope, C., Norris, J., & Watanabe, Y.
(
2007)
Understanding and assessing intercultural competence: A summary
of theory, research and practice.
Second Language Studies, 26(1), 1–58.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Spitzberg, B. H., & Changnon, G.
(
2009)
Conceptualizing intercultural competence. In
D. K. Deardorff &
D. Bok (Eds.),
The Sage handbook of intercultural competence (pp. 2–52). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Stepanovienė, A.
(
2011)
Exchange students’ experiences in intercultural
communication.
Studies about Languages, 181, 60–64.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Stier, J.
(
2006)
Internationalisation, intercultural communication and
intercultural competence.
Journal of Intercultural Communication, 111, 1–11.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Teichler, U.
(
2004)
Temporary study abroad: The life of ERASMUS
students.
European Journal of Education, 39(4), 235–408.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Teichler, U.
(
2012)
International student mobility in Europe in the context of the
Bologna Process.
Journal of International Education and Leadership, 2(1), 1–13.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Ting-Toomey, S.
(
2009)
Intercultural conflict competence as a facet of intercultural
competence development: Multiple conceptual approaches. In
D. K. Deardorff &
D. Bok (Eds.),
The Sage handbook of intercultural competence (pp. 100–120). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Tomalin, B., & Stempleski, S.
(
1993)
Cultural awareness. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Tompkins, A., Cook, T., Miller, E., & Lepeau, L. A.
(
2017)
Gender influences on students’ study abroad participation and
intercultural competence.
Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 52(2), 204–216.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Ward, C., & Kennedy, A.
(
1999)
The measurement of sociocultural adaptation.
Intercultural Journal of Intercultural Relations, 23(4), 659–677.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Webber, R.
(
2005)
Integrating work based and academic learning in international and
cross-cultural settings.
Journal of Education and Work, 18(4), 473–487.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Wells, A.
(
2014)
International student mobility: Approaches, challenges and
suggestions for future research.
Science Direct, Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 1431, 19–24.
![DOI logo](https://benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Xiao, H., & Petraki, E.
(
2007)
An investigation of Chinese students’ difficulties in
intercultural communication and its role in ELT.
Journal of Intercultural Communication, 13(2), 66–78.
![Google Scholar](https://benjamins.com/logos/google-scholar.svg)
Cited by (1)
Cited by 1 other publications
Vasseur, Raychel, Thanh Duc Bui & Paul W. Paré
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 16 july 2024. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers.
Any errors therein should be reported to them.