Internationalisation, Ethnic Diversity and the Acquisition of Intercultural Competencies

Abstract This paper sheds light on the pedagogical processes involved in intercultural study environments and their effects on students. Studying "abroad" or in an ethnically diverse context "at home" is described metaphorically as an academic, cultural, intellectual and emotional journey that facilitates the acquisition of intercultural competencies as well as personal growth. It is stressed that universities have much to gain from approaching internationalisation and ethnic diversity in an integrated fashion. The situational character of the teacher's role in this process is also stressed. The discussion arrives at an interactive model of intercultural learning.