The special role of education in the development of intercultural competences - comparative analysis of the results of interviews with students from different European countries

Research objectives and problem(s): This article aims to describe the role of education in developing students’ intercultural competences. The research problem addresses the question: How do students perceive the importance of education (university studies) in shaping intercultural competences necessary for their future careers? Research methods: The research methods include a literature review and an analysis of data from individual in-depth interviews conducted with students from Poland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Process of argumentation: The article begins by outlining the theoretical background of intercultural education and intercultural competence. This is followed by a description of the research methods, an analysis of the interview results, and a discussion of the findings based on interviews with students from the four participating countries. Research findings and their impact on the development of educational sciences: Higher education plays an important role in developing students’ intercultural competences and serves as the foundation for successfully preparing them to work in culturally diverse environments. Intercultural competence supports successful collaboration in teams composed of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. All interviewed students emphasized the importance of education in enhancing these competences and in preparing them for their professional futures. Conclusions and/or recommendations: Higher education institutions bear the responsibility of preparing students to act flexibly, adaptively, and interculturally in today’s workplace. Instructors teaching subjects such as human resource management in culturally diverse settings should pay particular attention to developing students’ intercultural competences by shaping their attitudes, behaviors, communication styles, and interpersonal skills. Intercultural competence is essential, and educational activities can foster openness to other cultures, promote appropriate attitudes, and support adaptability.