Exploring and Assessing Intercultural Competence - Center for ...

Exploring and Assessing Intercultural Competence
(SA12) “I learned a lot about myself during the time in Ecuador; this journey has stamped my life
in many ways”
(SA15) “I gained a lot of new experiences, understanding for other ways of living, other cultures”
(SA15) “a sad insight that basically one cannot make the world a better place; one cannot really
change things”
(SA16) “I appreciate it much more that I’m so happy and that I have everything I need and want.
I try harder not to throw away any food”
(SA19) “I think above all I learned a lot of new things about myself. In the beginning, I thought
that I could adapt completely to a totally different way of life and get used to living that way also.
With time, I had to admit that that isn’t so easy. I did not have enough time for myself while
living with the family and I did not like it at all that you cannot move freely all day in the city
itself – a luxury that is practically never taken from me at home. I am still just as curious as I was
before my stay, and will also take advantage of the next opportunity to get to know other cultures.
I think that I also now have very different expectations about countries that I will visit in the
future, because I now have an idea how it might be. When I went to Ecuador, I only had a limited
idea about the country’s politics and history, but otherwise I knew so little that I held no
expectations about my visit.”
(SA20) “I do not get stressed as quickly now . . . and I don’t let myself be bothered by other
people . . . . One learns to appreciate the advantages in Switzerland (infrastructure, cleanliness,
less poverty)”
Additional insights about the impact of this experience on their lives were derived from
comments made during interviews of both alumni and volunteers:
(BA1) “It is no exaggeration to say that this project has impacted on my life totally. In the future,
after completion of a university degree, I plan to return to Ecuador and my future career will be
based within the environmental sector. I feel that the whole experience in Ecuador has given me
so much more confidence in my own abilities.”
- impacted on my life totally
- I plan to return
- future career based on experience
- increased confidence in my own abilities
(BA3)
- returned a completely different person
- gained a much a greater perspective on all aspects of life
- gained an understanding of a different culture
- a much greater global outlook
- increased confidence
- a life-changing experience (B4)
- I feel stronger, know I can make it in another country
- more confident
(BA6)
- has broadened my horizons
Center for Social Development
Washington University in St. Louis
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