Greek University Students’ Intercultural Sensitivity Profile: A Case Study

Abstract

This paper addresses the absence of a comprehensive framework for internationalizing education in Greek universities' intercultural language policy planning (LPP). It highlights educators' pivotal role and proposes expanding intercultural competence programs based on Chen and Starosta's (2000) model. The study, involving 90 University of Patras undergraduates, utilizes the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) to reveal heightened intercultural sensitivity (IS). While indicating a positive foundation for intercultural competence, student feedback identifies areas for improvement, including self-esteem, perceptiveness, attentiveness, and adaptability. The study concludes by emphasizing the necessity of defining and applying intercultural sensitivity across diverse life domains and regions, advocating for further investigation. It also offers preliminary pedagogical insights for developing a language policy emphasizing intercultural sensitivity in Greek universities, contributing to broader education internationalization.

Keywords

Intercultural sensitivity / Internationalization / Language policy / Greek students / Higher education

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