Exploring the impact of intercultural competence education on students’ adaptability and success in culturally diverse environments

In the rapidly evolving higher education landscape of the 21st century, cultivating intercultural competence has become a crucial prerequisite for students‘ success in our highly interconnected world. While intercultural competence has traditionally been associated with internationalization in higher education, its impact transcends international boundaries. This dissertation delves into the influence of intercultural competence education on students’ adaptability and success within culturally diverse environments. It aims to foster a context-specific understanding of intercultural competence in higher education, promoting a more transcultural perspective of this competence. The research findings illuminate the critical factors that shape students’ adaptability and success, including the recognition and utilization of diverse perspectives, the application of transcultural understanding, the engagement in collective spaces and interactions, and the comprehension of the developmental process associated with this competence. By equipping students with these essential elements, higher education institutions prepare them to navigate the multifaceted challenges of their academic journeys and thrive in their future careers within our interconnected world.