Exploring and Assessing Intercultural Competence - Center for ...

Exploring and Assessing Intercultural Competence
Assertion No. 1: ICC is a complex of abilities (Important attributes)
Discussion
Mentors described volunteers at the end of programs in the following ways:
(FEMV1+I)
SV1 was initially impatient, became more adaptable, now a more open person. She is now
- respectful
- patient
- reflective
- gentle
- caring
(FEMV3+I)
SV3 was initially very judgmental, criticized a lot, noted many problems, didn't share the way he
handled the problems, intelligent. He now
- has his character well defined (set in his ways?)
- learned to be more tolerant with different ideas and situations
- more reflective before taking an action
(FEMV4+I)
SV4 is
- very active
- very helpful
(FEMV5+I)
BV6 was very patient, adaptable, humble, and a hard worker. She now
- continues to have these same abilities
- developed them to a higher level
- especially patient
- does good work
- considers the needs of others before her own
Mentors confirmed several of the attributes cited in the literature (i.e., those with numbers in
parentheses):
- tolerance (1)
- flexibility
- patience (3)
- sense of humor
- appreciate differences
- suspending judgment
- adaptability (1)
- curiosity
- open-minded
- motivated (1)
- self-reliant
- empathy (1)
- clear sense of self
- perceptive
Center for Social Development
Washington University in St. Louis
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