Analyzing intercultural competence among Erasmus students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jqwtk312

Keywords:

Erasmus+ programme, Student Mobility, intercultural competence, Higher Education, Study Abroad, International Educational Exchange, Student Exchange Programmes

Abstract

This study examines intercultural competence among students participating in an Erasmus mobility program at higher education institutions across Europe (primarily Portugal, Spain, and Finland). The study adopts a quantitative approach based on an intercultural competence scale. It explores how intercultural competence varies according to both personal characteristics (gender, nationality, field of study, and travel frequency) and students’ perceptions of their attitudes across multiple domains via Mann‒Whitney and Kruskal‒Wallis tests. Moreover, the study seeks to examine correlations between intercultural competence and integration experiences, as well as between intercultural competence and the impact of the Erasmus program on the host community, using Spearman's tests. Statistically significant differences across groups and correlations between variables are identified whenever they exist. The findings are particularly valuable for educators, policymakers, and tourism professionals when designing programs and initiatives to foster intercultural learning and exchange.

Author Biographies

  • Goretti Silva, Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo; Center for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation

    Goretti Silva, PhD, is a scholar and researcher in Tourism at Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo. CITUR member. Coordinator and participation at several RD&I projects, both at national and international level. Main topics of interest are sustainability and tourism development, religious tourism and nature and outdoor tourism.

  • Mariana Oliveira, Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo; Center for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation

    Mariana Oliveira, MSc, is the project manager for the SUNRISE Alliance — a European University — on behalf of IPVC, one of the partner institutions in the consortium. She is also a collaborative member of the Center for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation (CiTUR). Her major research interests lie in sustainable and responsible tourism development, cultural and religious tourism, and the development of key competencies within the tourism sector. She also has a strong interest in internationalization and cooperation in higher education.

  • Alexandra I. Correia, Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo; Center for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation

    Alexandra I. Correia, PhD, is an Associate Professor at IPVC with a degree in Tourism - Marketing and a PhD in Tourism. With 24 years of teaching experience, she coordinates the Master's program in Tourism and Innovation. A researcher and committee member, she focuses on tourism experiences, R&D projects, and digital marketing.

  • Maria José Brito, Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo

    Maria José Brito, PhD, is an Associate Professor at IPVC, where she teaches English for Specific Purposes and Portuguese for Non-Native Speakers. She also serves as the Erasmus Coordinator at the School of Technology and Management within the same institution. Additionally, she is a collaborative member of the European university alliance SUNRISE, representing IPVC. Her primary research interests include intercultural communication, translation, and terminology.  

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Published

2026-01-24

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2026): Journal of International Students

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Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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How to Cite

Silva, G., Oliveira, M., Correia, A., & Brito, M. J. (2026). Analyzing intercultural competence among Erasmus students. Journal of International Students, 16(3), 211-232. https://doi.org/10.32674/jqwtk312