The Understanding of Intercultural Competence: A Case Study at the University of Toronto

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Experience and Perceptions of Campus Stakeholders on Institutional Climate

Abstract

The study examines how intercultural competence is understood at the University of Toronto, with the purpose of contributing to the understanding of higher education internationalization. Employing the case-study method, the study combines document analysis and interviews to explore what definitions are used for intercultural competence programming. Connecting research, themes, and practices found in student affairs and services, this study highlights intercultural competence as the main focus of understanding the attitudes that staff have towards incorporating diversity into their work. Results showed that there are few connections between research and practice. However, staff operates on similar definitions for different purposes and goals in their work. Furthermore, the choice to have definitions or have a specific definition is highly individualized.

Authors

• Kim Duong, University of Toronto

• Leping Mou, University of Toronto

• Ivan Nguyen, University of Toronto

• Nisha Uthayakumaran, University of Toronto