A needs analysis study on a cultural foreign language course for university students

The main purpose of this study was to determine whether university students need to develop their intercultural communication skills.In this respect, the study covers the needs analysis phase of a program development process.Recognizing culture as a fundamental component of language education, the research addresses the growing need for students to navigate diverse cultural contexts effectively.A mixed-method design was employed to identity the actual needs of the students through both qualitative and quantitative tools.Data were collected from preparatory class students, lecturers, and Erasmus coordinators through surveys and interviews during 2020-2021 academic year.Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency analysis and Cronbach's Alpha in SPSS.Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis.Results from the needs analysis revealed a clear requirement for cultural competence training.The study recommends adapting the program for secondary education and foreign learners of Turkish, examining long-term professional impacts, and investigating cultural challenges in programs like Erasmus.Future research could focus on building a problem pool and testing interventions for intercultural misunderstandings.