Why Is Intercultural Learning Important?

There is a greater sense of interconnectedness in our increasingly globalized world. Considering global issues such as sustainability and socioeconomic issues from the perspective of a singular approach is not enough. One of the most valuable aspects of interculturality is its ability to inspire and empower a growth mindset by connecting with others and seeing the world from a different perspective.

Experiencing a different culture firsthand will change the way you see the world.

The essence of intercultural education is the acquisition of empathy is the ability to see the world as others see it, and to allow for the possibility that others may see something we have failed to see. —J. William Fulbright

Utilizing intercultural learning in the classroom has been proven to empower students through the use of intentional learning methodologies. In particular, in the field of international education.

Through preparing students to receive cross-cultural knowledge, international educators are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps, build connections, and help students reflect critically on their own experiences, as well as the issues and communities they engage with globally.

What is intercultural learning?

What is intercultural learning and its significance? Intercultural learning explores communities with a deep understanding and respect for all cultures. The concept of intercultural learning is an educational approach that can lead to social transformation. It allows folks from diverse cultural backgrounds to establish positive relations based on human rights values and principles that promote understanding of cultural differences.

An intercultural perspective is one of the most important aspects of social education. Still, it also requires a consideration of different interpretations of culture and diversity, power relations, resource distribution, political and social context, human rights, discrimination, history, and daily interactions among various individuals.

Developing intercultural skills involves cultural self-awareness, open-mindedness, empathy, active listening, and problem-solving skills. In the Guidelines for Intercultural Education published by UNESCO, it is stated that:

1. Intercultural education respects the learner's cultural identity by providing culturally appropriate and responsive quality education for all.
2. Intercultural education provides every learner with the cultural knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to achieve active and full participation in society.
3. Intercultural education provides all learners with cultural knowledge, attitudes, and skills that enable them to contribute to respect, understanding, and solidarity among individuals, ethnic, social, cultural, and religious groups and nations.

Exposing students to various methods that may not have been previously considered in their subject area and teaching them to integrate these concepts into their daily lives is integral to their future success.

How is intercultural learning different from intercultural communication?

Intercultural learning and intercultural communication are important but distinct ideas.

Intercultural communication refers to the exchange of ideas and experiences between individuals from different cultural backgrounds with different worldviews, values, traditions, and religious beliefs. The concept of intercultural communication focuses on the idea of knowing how to communicate in different cultures. Intercultural communication aims to create a sense of cultural diversity within groups of people.

Learning and communicating across cultures are separate but interconnected concepts. The goal of intercultural communication is to facilitate communication between cultures, while intercultural learning involves acquiring knowledge about other cultures, understanding and appreciating cultural diversity, and developing skills to interact effectively with them.

The concept of intercultural learning refers to a broad spectrum of knowledge and competencies than intercultural communication alone. The process of intercultural communication involves understanding and navigating cultural differences in communication styles, norms, values, and beliefs. In intercultural communication, ideas, information, and meaning are exchanged between individuals or groups from different cultures.

Among the qualities needed for intercultural communication are cultural self-awareness, empathy, active listening, and problem-solving. A key feature of intercultural communication is exchanging ideas and cultural norms and developing strong relationships between people from different cultures. Cultural differences are recognized and respected in intercultural communication as part of the overall relationship.

Intercultural communication encourages individuals and organizations to develop intercultural sensitivity, empathic understanding, and competent coordination of action across cultural boundaries.

6 major reasons why intercultural learning is important

1. Support personal well-being abroad

Intercultural learning will keep you much more prepared for your study abroad experience.

One reason why intercultural learning is essential is its ability to support a student for well-being abroad. As the pandemic reshaped our lives, new educational trends emerged in reimagining international education programs, such as student mental health awareness. Learning socio-emotional skills has been shown to be one of the most important parts of a student's education and has been shown to have an impact on their achievement and outcomes.

An individual's mental health and well-being are believed to be influenced by various social, psychological, and biological factors. This can be actively supported through specific interventions and actions, such as creating an environment where students feel supported in key aspects of their lives.

2. It improves the overall study abroad experience

Students studying abroad can benefit from intercultural learning, which is enhanced by the development of cultural competence, facilitation of cross-cultural communication, fostering empathy, and supporting personal growth. Having these skills and knowledge can enable students to successfully navigate cross-cultural interactions, overcome challenges, and have a fulfilling and enriching experience abroad.

Several studies have demonstrated that students who had taken an intercultural communication course before their international experience developed their cultural knowledge more strongly during and after their international experience than students who had not taken such a course. Additionally, three cross-cultural personality measurements were found to be increased, including cultural empathy, open-mindedness, and social initiative.

3. It may lessen the effects of culture shock

Culture shock is tough to avoid, but intercultural learning is a great way to work through it.

Culture shock and homesickness can be common reactions to moving to a new country for students. Learning about other cultures, their values, traditions, and social norms is an important part of intercultural learning. By understanding the new cultural environment, they can reduce stress and promote a smoother adjustment.

Understanding how people from different cultures communicate and process information is essential in minimizing misunderstandings when you observe their actions and listen without judgment.

4. It helps students make new connections

Social support networks are important when engaging in intercultural activities, such as study abroad programming. Interacting with local communities and individuals from diverse backgrounds is a fundamental principle of intercultural learning. Connecting with others offers companionship, guidance, and a sense of belonging that are essential for the well-being of students abroad.

Social and emotional intercultural learning skills can help students respond to difficult and unexpected situations in an emotionally regulated manner, enabling them to set out and develop strategies for dealing with difficult circumstances and to interact and work with others to address issues.

5. Enhance career readiness

Having intercultural awareness will make you a more unique job candidate.

Another reason why intercultural learning is important is its ability to help students articulate their international experience to enhance their career development. The workplace is becoming more diverse, and organizations realize employees need to be able to adapt to their surroundings.

Communication and understanding can be improved with the help of intercultural skills in today's globalized work environment. Additionally, these skills can enhance the ability to work with a wide range of collaborators, helping you to bring additional value to an organization.

6. Gain new skills

Intercultural skill sets involve flexibility, problem-solving, adaptability, critical thinking, and curiosity. The development of problem-solving skills is particularly useful in the workplace, where the mix of cultures can require you to find a new approach to resolving issues. Developing these skills can help you deal with challenges and solve them more effectively by considering all the possibilities.

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Thoughtful preparation will make all the difference in your education abroad

Knowing what to expect (and how to react) is the first step in a successful study abroad experience.

As international travel and education abroad continue to evolve, developing innovative learning strategies to incorporate international travel preparation will be essential. The same is true of how it inspires students to think about their future, set goals, plan actions, identify obstacles, and support and motivate them to achieve their goals.

Developing an intercultural mindset involves understanding that their own culture is only one of many equally complex ways of organizing human behavior. The key to success abroad is to plan flexibly and adaptably without losing the essence of yourself. And to also recognize the key role of education abroad experiences as valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, global skills development, and professional growth.

This article was written with help from CulturaGo. CulturaGo specializes in cultural awareness courses for prospective study abroad students. Courses cater to multiple learning styles and provide firsthand insight for what to expect abroad. Courses cover culture in Korea, Japan, Spain, Italy, and the UK.