What Are Intercultural Competences?

Intercultural competencies are an ensemble of competencies that allow individuals to communicate efficiently and appropriately across cultures (or differences). They encompass cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains that support effective and appropriate interaction in various cultural contexts. These knowledge, dispositions, and skills include, for instance:

1. Cultural Self-Awareness: Understanding one's cultural identity, beliefs, values, and biases.
2. Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others from different cultural backgrounds.
3. Open-Mindedness: Being receptive to new and diverse perspectives.
4. Adaptability: The capacity to adjust one's behavior and thinking in response to different cultural contexts.
5. Cultural Knowledge: Awareness of different cultural practices, norms, and worldviews.
6. Communication Skills: The ability to convey and interpret messages effectively across cultural boundaries.

Why Do Intercultural Competences Matter in Schools?

Intercultural competencies are vital in schools for several reasons:

1. Preparing Global Citizens: In an interconnected world, students must be ready to work and live in multicultural environments. Intercultural competencies equip students with the skills necessary to navigate and thrive professionally and personally in diverse settings.
2. Promoting Inclusivity: Schools with a diverse student body must create an environment where all students feel included and respected. Intercultural competencies help students appreciate diversity, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.
3. Enhancing Academic Performance: Research shows that multilingual and culturally competent students tend to perform better academically. They are likelier to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative activities, which are essential for academic success.
4. Reducing Prejudice and Discrimination: Understanding and valuing different cultures makes students less likely to hold prejudiced views or engage in discriminatory behavior. This leads to a more harmonious and respectful school community.

Teaching Intercultural Competences at the International School of Boston

At the International School of Boston (ISB), intercultural competencies are integral to the curriculum and school culture. ISB is a multilingual international school that offers both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and French Baccalaureate programs. With students from more than 40 countries, ISB provides a rich multicultural environment where intercultural competencies are nurtured from an early age.

Here are some ways ISB teaches intercultural competencies:

• Multilingual Education: Starting as early as age 2, ISB students are introduced to French-English bilingual learning. As they progress, students learn additional languages, such as Spanish, Mandarin, and German. This multilingual approach enhances language skills and exposes students to different cultures and perspectives.
• Integrated Curriculum: ISB's curriculum is designed to incorporate intercultural learning across various subjects. For example, history and social studies lessons include diverse cultural perspectives, while literature classes explore works from authors worldwide. This integrated approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of global cultures.
• Global Learning Program: ISB offers a rich Global Learning Program that allows students to experience different cultures and study in various countries. These programs provide firsthand exposure to new cultures, helping students build empathy and adaptability. Through these experiences, students learn to appreciate cultural differences and develop a global mindset.
• Intercultural Activities and Events: ISB organizes various activities and events celebrating cultural diversity. These include international festivals, cultural fairs, and themed weeks where students can showcase their heritage and learn about others. Such events foster a sense of community and encourage students to embrace diversity.
• Professional Development for Teachers: ISB invests heavily in professional development to ensure teachers can effectively teach intercultural competencies. Teachers receive training on intercultural learning, global citizenship education, inclusive learning, DEIB practices, and strategies for creating inclusive classrooms. This ongoing professional development helps maintain a supportive learning environment for all students.
• Student-Led Initiatives: ISB encourages students to lead in promoting intercultural understanding. Some student-led clubs and organizations focus on cultural awareness, social justice, and global issues. These initiatives empower students to become active participants in fostering a more inclusive school community.

Conclusion

Intercultural competencies are essential for preparing students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. At the International School of Boston, these competencies are woven into the school's curriculum and culture. By promoting multilingual education, integrating intercultural learning across subjects, and providing opportunities for cultural exchange, ISB ensures that its students are well-equipped to navigate and appreciate the complexities of our global society. ISB enhances academic performance through these efforts and fosters a more inclusive, respectful, and empathetic school community, preparing students to become global citizens. 
 

About the Author: Dr. Mehdi Lazar is the Assistant Head of School at the International School of Boston. A former primary and secondary school teacher, Mehdi has been a teacher trainer and international school leader for the last 15 years. Mehdi is the author of seven books and multiple articles on global education, human geography, and geopolitics. His recent work focuses on school leadership, multilingual education, and intercultural competence, including a recent book, 'Speaking the World: Multilingualism and Intercultural Competence in the Professional World' (NYC, TBR Books, 2025).