Exploring and Assessing Intercultural Competence - Center for ...

Exploring and Assessing Intercultural Competence
30. perceptive /2 2/2 1/1
31. tolerates ambiguity 1 1/1 1/4
32. other qualities (none listed)
Note that items 1 and 4 differ in presentation from the others since both are stated in the negative; other
items are all stated in the positive. For example, item 1 (intolerance) remains almost the same with most
claiming 0 intolerance (1 initially and 4 at the end, but since 0 is still 0, there is no change). On the
other hand, 2 individuals rated themselves at the 1 (or low level of intolerance) at the beginning and
only 1 did so at the end; hence a minor shift is noted. Item 4 (lack of humor) can be read similarly: 2
volunteers rated themselves at a 0 level at the beginning and 3 did so at the end; again still 0 and
therefore no change. Another rated self at the low level of 2, but at the end only 2 rated themselves at 1
so some slight shift occurred in how they saw changes in their own sense of humor.
All remaining items show a general upward shift on the scale suggesting positive changes in the
development of each quality. Of course a better comparison could be made between beginning and end
of sojourn had all volunteers completed the entrance form. What is clear, however, is that no volunteer
indicated reversal in any attribute. [It should be noted that respondents did not have access to their
original assessments when completing end-of-program forms.]
Additional evidence of growth and development is revealed through volunteer comments made in openended
responses in the forms and in interviews conducted at the end of the program:
Open-ended responses in survey forms
- I now have a more open mind. I’m going to appreciate nature even more. (SV4)
- I always develop and get to know myself better (SV3
- I have new perspectives on issues important in Ecuadorian culture (BV6)
- I improved my language skills
- I increased my confidence in dealing with other cultures (BV6)
Comments made during exit interviews
(BV6+I) “Communication, which means not only to speak but also to listen and watch
differences and characteristics of different background people without being judgmental. It is also
important to be patient and to understand people from other cultures”
- communication
- watch differences
- non-judgmental
- patience
- understanding
(SV3+I) “(I learned that) the most important thing towards intercultural success is not to be
judgmental since many things at the host culture differ”
- non-judgmental
- recognize differences
- reasoning
- patience
- self-development
- independence
Center for Social Development
Washington University in St. Louis
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