Identification and assessment of intercultural competence as a student outcome of internationalization

This study seeks to determine a definition and appropriate assessment methods of intercultural competence as agreed on by a panel of internationally known intercultural scholars. This information is validated by a sample of higher education administrators and can be used by administrators in identifying and assessing intercultural competence as a student outcome of internationalization efforts. Conclusions made from this study include identified elements of intercultural competence and assessment methods on which both the intercultural scholars and administrators agreed, resulting in the first study to document consensus on intercultural competence. Both groups agree that it is possible to assess degrees of intercultural competence and in so doing, that it is best to use a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods to assess intercultural competence, including interviews, observation, and judgment by self and others. Two models of intercultural competence are presented based on the findings of the study.

- detailed knowledge about intercultural competences, its different forms and definitions;

- practical knowledge about methods of intercultural education;

- reflective thinking about intercultural competences;

- creative adaptation of methods in individual practice.