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Notes:
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International relations professionals need cross-cultural competence and
English language communication skills to function in the international arena
(Graddol 1997). English language communication skills are necessary not only to
communicate with foreign colleagues (Bocanegra-Valle 2014) but also to access
the vast amount of knowledge transmitted in English over the internet (Ku,
Zussman 2010). This work reports the use of CLIL and cross-cultural training in the
University of Messina International Relations Advanced Degree Program as a
method to raise students’ level of English as quickly as possible while giving them
the essential intercultural skills for work in the international field. The researchbased
course program combined cross-cultural communication training (Storti,
1997; Lewis, 1999; Gannon, 2004, Harris and Moran, 2007; U.S Peace Corps
Training Handbook 2012,) and intercultural competence skill development
(Bennett, 1998). Two objectives were proposed: 1) develop cross-cultural
communication competence; 2) bring students up to a B2 level as fast as possible.
The final exam demonstrated significant growth in the areas of cross-cultural
competence as well as an increase in European Common Framework level ranging
from .5 to 1.0 depending on the student. Students expressed their belief that what
they had learned would be useful for their future career. Combining CLIL with
intercultural competence building seems to be effective in meeting two objectives:
increasing English language fluency and developing cross-cultural communication
competence. More research is recommended to further document this method for
increasing English communication proficiency while developing interculturally
competent international professionals. |
