The Impact of Teaching International Students on Faculty: Intercultural Competence Development in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract

As nations see the value and importance of hosting international students for economic gains, sources of talent, and stability for higher education enrollment, competition to enroll international students remains fierce on a global scale. Research shows that one of the important elements to ensure the success of international students in higher education campuses includes having faculty who have intercultural competence, which reflects the ability to teach international students or students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Thus, understanding factors that contribute to faculty intercultural competence will assist higher education campuses in recruiting international students and internationalizing their institutions. While research shows that study abroad experiences increase intercultural competence, there remains a gap in research in whether teaching international students themselves contributes to intercultural competence for teaching faculty.

This mixed method phenomenological study illustrates the significant influence that teaching international students has on faculty intercultural competence development. Ultimately, this positive impact can enhance the overall campus internationalization, increase international student enrollment and retention, and create more well-rounded leaders from the domestic student population.