Research Symposium

BIO

Hi! My name is Danielle Meyer, and I am a sophomore at Florida State University on a pre-PA track. I am majoring in Pre-Clinical Professions and minoring in Biology and Chemistry. I am currently involved in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, the FSU club gymnastics team, the Who We Play For organization, and the FL Beta chapter of Pi Beta Phi. My goal is to attend Physician Assistant school in hopes of specializing in oncology.

Exploring Intercultural Competence Through Internationalization-at-Home Efforts: Perspective of Domestic Graduate Students in Helping Professions​

Abstract

This study explores the impact internationalization-at-home (IaH) programs can have in amplifying intercultural competency (ICC) in domestic, graduate-level students within helping professions. The increasingly globalized world calls for multifaceted, culturally competent helping professionals who can engage with diverse clients to promote improved treatment outcomes. We modeled our study based on Deardorff's (2006) theoretical framework, which suggests cross-cultural interactions continuously boost ICC. In our study, an analysis of the experiences of 68 domestic graduate students that were enrolled in a semester-long cultural partner program was conducted using a qualitative methodology. Each domestic student was paired with one or two international graduate students and was encouraged to create meaningful cross-cultural interactions by participating in several activities together. Students then reflected on their experiences via surveys and open-ended questions. A thematic analysis of these responses revealed primary components that facilitated ICC development, as well as the elements that created challenges. According to findings, students grew their communication skills, cultural awareness, and increased their openness to different viewpoints. However, barriers to ICC development included language limitations, scheduling conflicts, and sense of cultural partners being uninterested in participating. Overall, the study’s findings highlighted the importance of mutual engagement in IaH programs. Future studies can utilize our results to craft additional research that minimizes ICC developmental barriers such as implementing engagement incentives or extending program length.

Keywords: Internationalization at Home, Intercultural Competency, Helping Professions