Description

This study seeks to understand the relationship between traveling abroad and intercultural communication competence. Intercultural communication is more valuable than ever in the global village, especially as restrictions were lifted after COVID-19 lockdown. The ability to communicate effectively, regardless of cultural differences, is not something that every human naturally possesses. Traveling abroad is linked to higher intercultural communication competence as exposure leads to awareness and culture sensitivity. The researchers used SONA, an online research management program, to administer a survey containing questions regarding traveling abroad experience and intercultural communication competence. The survey reached almost 2,000 participants, completed by 309, as data was collected from undergraduate (95.5%) and graduate students (4.5%) at San Diego State University, with higher frequencies among first- and second-year students. The researchers included questions in the survey evaluating travel experience among participants, followed by scale items to assess the individual’s intercultural competence. The survey allowed students to skip questions they did not feel comfortable answering as a standard of ethics to protect research participants. In response to the results, the researchers were able to interpret the data through a correlation test on SPSS, to determine the association between traveling abroad and intercultural communication competence. There was no association between travel abroad and intercultural competence, explained by a weak negative Pearson’s r correlation of r = -.077. Although the research hypothesis was not supported, this study provides a foundation for future inquiry. Intercultural competence is a necessity for future generations, as it aligns with diversity and inclusion principles. Findings from this survey pave the way for additional studies and experimental designs that may better capture the true relationship between travel abroad and intercultural competence among students in higher education.