Uncovering Different Profiles of College Students’ Global Competence: Evidence from Undergraduates’ Performance in South Korea

Abstract: The characteristics of global competence among South Korean college students at a single large national university using performance-based assessments to evaluate key dimensions: global perspective and intercultural sensitivity. The study identified five distinct student profiles, illustrating a spectrum from limited to advanced levels. The analysis revealed a general deficiency in global competence across the student population, with a moderate correlation between cognitive understanding and interpersonal skills, suggesting a complex interplay between these dimensions. Additionally, the study discusses how cultural contexts influence the development and manifestation of global competence, highlighting differences between U.S. and South Korean educational settings. The study advocates for targeted educational strategies that foster both cognitive and interpersonal skills, emphasizing the necessity of global competence in navigating a globalized world.