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Adapting teaching practices and enhancing intercultural competence: student teachers’ experiences in an international exchange program

Mai Phuc Thinh (School of Education, Can Tho University, Can Tho, Vietnam)

Journal for Multicultural Education

ISSN: 2053-535X

Article publication date: 10 December 2024

Issue publication date: 3 February 2025

37

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine how participation in international exchange programs influences both the teaching practices and intercultural competence of student teachers. Focusing on the experiences of Vietnamese participants in Thailand, the study explores how these educators adapted their teaching methods in response to cross-cultural challenges and developed essential intercultural skills through immersion in a new educational environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative case study approach, this research highlights the transformative experiences of 13 Vietnamese student teachers who participated in a three-week exchange program in Thailand. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and reflective journals to capture rich insights into how the exchange shaped their teaching practices and intercultural competence.

Findings

The findings indicate that the program significantly impacted participants’ teaching practices, as they adapted their instructional strategies to better meet the needs of diverse students and manage cross-cultural classroom dynamics. In addition, participants demonstrated growth in intercultural competence, developing greater empathy, flexibility and cultural sensitivity. These skills not only improved their teaching but also enabled them to engage more effectively with students from different cultural backgrounds.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of how short-term international experiences can lead to both pedagogical transformations and the development of intercultural competence in a global educational context. It underscores the necessity of incorporating structured intercultural training within teacher education programs to better prepare educators for the complexities of teaching in culturally diverse settings.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author expresses gratitude to all the Vietnamese student teachers who participated in this study, sharing their invaluable experiences and insights. Their willingness to engage deeply with the research process has significantly enriched the findings and conclusions of this study. He is immensely grateful to the faculty and staff at both the Vietnamese and Thai universities who facilitated this educational exchange, providing the necessary support and resources to ensure its success. The author would also like to thank his academic advisor, whose guidance and encouragement were pivotal throughout the research process. Lastly, he appreciates the support from his family and friends who provided endless inspiration and encouragement.

Disclosure statement: The author declares that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper. This research was conducted without any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Citation

Thinh, M.P. (2025), "Adapting teaching practices and enhancing intercultural competence: student teachers’ experiences in an international exchange program", Journal for Multicultural Education, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 43-57. https://doi.org/10.1108/JME-06-2024-0077

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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