Exploring and Assessing Intercultural Competence - Center for ...

Exploring and Assessing Intercultural Competence
(FEMS4+I)
- “…learning the language is basic to having a fluid relationship since we (the hosts) don’t speak
other languages.”
(FEMS5+I)
- “…without learning the host language, there would have been a barrier which would have made
this more difficult, especially when it comes to this type of work.”
Summary
First of all, it is worth noting that both communication and learning the host language were cited
by all mentors as important for IC success. This being so, they clearly affect and contribute to
ICC development as well. Additional spontaneous comments made by mentors in this regard
were:
With language … Without language …
- important - kids are curious
- helps them gain confidence - hosts don’t speak other languages
- improves communication - without language, a barrier
- allows a deeper level - would be more difficult
- allows exchange of ideas
- makes the experience richer
- it’s fundamental
- basic to relationships
These comments not only substantiate why they thought knowledge of the host language was
important in terms of what they contribute, but they also point to how any lack of host language
ability would seriously constrain relationships and interaction, especially since most hosts and
mentors don’t speak other languages. Oddly, with the exception of only 1 mentor, the others did
not reverse this thought to consider their own need or desire to learn another language. However,
since only one had traveled to nearby Bolivia and most do not imagine the possibility of
international travel, this may explain why they did not see the need to speak other languages
(Quechua notwithstanding).
Assertion No. 5: All parties engaged in intercultural contact are affected to some degree and
in various ways (Impact of ICC contact on mentors) Also:
- Assumption No. 3: Intercultural experiences are life-altering
- Assumption No. 4: Participant choices during the sojourn produce certain
intercultural consequences
- Assumption No. 6: Service programs offer unique opportunities for sojourners and
hosts, beyond traditional educational exchanges
Discussion
Here’s what mentors said in open-ended questions of the survey forms (SFs) and in interviews
(Is) regarding the impact of their work with the foreign volunteers:
Center for Social Development
Washington University in St. Louis
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