Assessing Intercultural Competence in The Digital World: Evidence from Virtual Exchange Experience in a Study Abroad Program

Abstract

This study presents evidence of the impact of an innovative pedagogical practice that cultivates and develops the intercultural competence of undergraduate college students. 15 U.S. undergraduate students enrolled in a business study abroad course and 12 Chinese undergraduate students participated in a virtual student exchange project in spring 2019. Using global distance learning technology, the students collaborated on the project to provide a joint comprehensive investment recommendation report. A comparison of U.S. students’ Intercultural Effectiveness Scale scores at the beginning and end of the project revealed significant positive changes in their intercultural competence. Student self-evaluations and peer surveys confirmed improvement in students’ global mindset. Being one of the first studies to demonstrate student intercultural competence and learning through a virtual exchange experience, this study provides implications for study abroad and virtual global learning.