Intercultural sensitivity : the effect of a multicultural background on university student housing residents

Abstract

In an increasingly globalized world, individuals need to be better prepared for the interconnectedness of different cultures. More successful intercultural exchanges call for a developed Intercultural Sensitivity. Intercultural Sensitivity is necessary to understand cultural differences and barriers without assigning them negative values. The purpose of this study was to see if exposure to other cultures affected Intercultural Sensitivity amongst students boarding at the University Housing of a local Catholic university in Keserwen, Lebanon. The groups compared were Lebanese students who studied abroad, Lebanese students who studied in Lebanon, and international students studying in Lebanon. The study focused on the exposure to other cultures, in addition to other characteristics such as religion, and their effects on the level of Intercultural Sensitivity. Results showed high levels of Intercultural Sensitivity in all groups. No significant differences were found among groups. The present developed Intercultural Sensitivity of participants was a good indicator of successful cultural interactions. High Intercultural Sensitivity of participants who attended school in Lebanon could be related to experiencing exposure to other cultures at school or to having friends from other cultures. It was recommended that further research was needed to better understand the factors that contributed to enhancing the level of Intercultural Sensitivity.