Learning and Developing Intercultural Communication Competence in Higher Education: Germany and Morocco as a Case

Abstract

This paper aims to explore intercultural communicative competence (ICC) of B.A and M.A students of the English departments at Moulay Ismail University (Meknes, Morocco) and Bonn University (Bonn, Germany). It seeks to (a) compare the level of ICC among these participants and investigate the impact of abroad experience or intercultural communication learning on ICC development; and (b) to assess ICC after the completion of an intercultural communication course. The study uses a quantitative method based on a survey questionnaire. The findings of the research reveal the level of students’ ICC performance, based on their own reflection, and the importance of integrating ICC in the curriculum. Moreover, this study will have implications to develop ICC in higher education from the respondents’ results.

Keywords

Intercultural communication / ICC assessment / abroad experience / ICC perception / IC learning & teaching

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