Examination of the Components of Cultural Intelligence in Gastronomy Students: The Case of Mersin University

This study aims to examine the cultural intelligence levels of students in the Department of Gastronomy at the Faculty of Tourism, Mersin University. The research is descriptive in nature and utilizes the Cultural Intelligence Self-Assessment Scale as the primary data collection tool. The sample consists of 228 students selected through simple random sampling from a total of 379 students enrolled in the Gastronomy Department during the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were analyzed using factor analysis for validity testing and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for reliability analysis. The findings reveal that students' cultural intelligence levels vary significantly based on demographic characteristics such as gender, foreign language proficiency, travel experience, and participation in international programs. The results underscore the importance of cultural intelligence in gastronomy education and suggest that enhancing this competency is crucial for achieving effective professional performance in international contexts.