The Misconceptions

Misconception 1: International Experience Equals Intercultural Competence

One of the most common misconceptions is that merely participating in a study abroad program will automatically make a student interculturally competent. While the experience can be transformative, it's not a guarantee. My multi-year study on the effects of study abroad on intercultural competence development revealed that the gains are not automatic. The environment alone doesn't teach; it's how you engage with it that counts. Students who limit their interactions to their own cultural group or who spend excessive time on social media often miss out on the full benefits of immersion. For a deeper dive into the complexities of intercultural competence, Milton Bennett's Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity is a must-read.

Misconception 2: Intercultural Competence is a Moral Virtue

Another misconception is treating intercultural competence as a moral virtue rather than a skill set. While it's commendable to have an open mind, it's not enough to navigate the complexities of a different culture effectively. Intercultural competence is a skill that can be honed, measured, and assessed, much like learning a new language or mastering a subject. It's not just about "being a good person"; it's about having the tools to interact effectively in diverse settings.

Misconception 3: Global Education is (or should be) a Resume Builder

Yes, students can put study abroad or other global education experiences on their college applications, but when the primary focus is on what comes next, students can miss taking advantage of present experiences. Many students, and sometimes even educators, see it as a checkbox to tick off for college applications or career progression. This approach undermines the depth of learning and self-discovery that can occur when one is immersed in a new cultural setting. When global education becomes a mere transaction, it loses its transformative power.

The Strategies

Strategy 1: Treat Intercultural Competence as a Skill

The first step in debunking these misconceptions is to treat intercultural competence as a skill. This means incorporating competency-based educational strategies into your curriculum. These could range from assessments that measure a student's ability to adapt to new cultural norms to exercises that challenge them to think critically about their own cultural biases.

Strategy 2: Engage in Deliberate Practice

The second strategy is deliberate practice. Just like any other skill, intercultural competence requires regular and focused practice. This could mean engaging in role-playing exercises, participating in community outreach, or even taking part in international collaborations. The key is to make these practices a regular part of your educational programming. Consistency is key; sporadic efforts won't yield the same results as a sustained commitment.

Strategy 3: Implement a Comprehensive Curriculum

The third strategy is to implement a comprehensive curriculum that goes beyond the surface level of cultural exchange. This involves pre-departure training, ongoing mentorship, and post-trip debriefs. It's not just about the time spent abroad; it's about the preparation and reflection that surround it. A well-rounded curriculum ensures that students are not just "tourists" but active participants in their own learning journey.

A reality check.

The reality is that intercultural competence is complex and multi-faceted. It involves a deep understanding of both oneself and others. It requires an ongoing commitment to learning and growth. And most importantly, it requires a deliberate and focused approach to education, one that goes beyond the mere act of traveling to a different country or engaging in surface-level cultural exchanges.

A small call to action…

In the end, the goal is not just to debunk misconceptions but to replace them with a more nuanced and effective approach to global education. At Baserria Institute, we offer robust learning opportunities that include building strategies for intercultural competence development]. Whether it's on your school campus or in the unique setting of the Basque Country, we're here to help you and your students climb your own mountains of intercultural understanding. Interested in learning more? Reach out to us for professional development opportunities tailored to your needs. We specialize in creating programs that are not only educational but also deeply transformative.