Effectiveness of Intercultural Communication of Pakistani Students during Foreign Study Programs

Abstract

Aim of the Study: In today’s global world media is not the only forum for cross-cultural communication. Student exchange programs also provide students ample opportunities to interact with diversified, multi-cultural and multi-lingual communities. As international students exchange programme is one of the platforms that provides students to experience others’ culture and discover their own intercultural communication effectiveness.

Methodology: The present mixed method study uses the basic conceptual framework of anxiety/uncertainty management (AUM) training. To focus on four aspects of AUM; self-concept, reaction to others, group interactions and mindfulness to measure the intercultural communication effectiveness of Pakistani students going overseas in exchange programs. The research participants include undergraduates from a private sector business university in Karachi.

Findings/Conclusion: The results indicated that exchange program students’ intercultural communication effectiveness was above average. The research suggested that there is a need of more studies like this which include not only the participants but also the people with whom the learners communicate.