Exploring and Assessing Intercultural Competence - Center for ...

- tolerance of ambiguity
In addition, they cited several additional qualities:
- respect (1)
- reflective (2)
Exploring and Assessing Intercultural Competence
They also cited several individual qualities about specific individuals, all positive and one
negative (i.e., set in his ways):
- gentle (1)
- caring (1)
- active (1)
- helpful (1)
- humble (1)
- set in his ways (1)
Summary
By completing all items in Part II of the survey form and leaving none blank, mentors
acknowledged all 15 attributes listed. In open-ended interviews, they spontaneously confirmed 5
and they identified 2 others not on the list. They also cited several positive and negative
individual qualities without generalizing about them. Comparing comments between volunteers
and hosts raises intriguing new questions: Are the qualities cited as important to ICC success
viewed in the same way by sojourners and hosts? Do they share the same order of importance?
Are any qualities which hosts consider important not considered in the same way by sojourners
(and interculturalists), and vice-versa?
Assertion No. 2: Learning the host language affects ICC development
(About learning the host language)
Discussion
Spontaneous comments made by mentors concerning language and communication were:
(FEMV1+I)
- helps to understand the situation on a deeper level
- allows her to comprehend better
- to be less judgmental
(FEMV3+I)
- this is one of the most important aspects
- necessary, works with kids who speak only Spanish
(FEMV4+I)
- learning the host language is really important
- otherwise would need to find alternate ways to communicate which would be difficult
(FEMV5+I)
- fundamental to success
- admires volunteers who come and learn a new language
Center for Social Development
Washington University in St. Louis
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