Enhancing Intercultural Competency Though Co-Curricular Activities in Higher Education: Three Examples From an American University

Abstract

In response to increasing student diversity, universities have begun to implement programs that provide experiences so that students may expand their understanding of cultural differences. This chapter focuses on the implementation of inter-cultural programming in a large university in the northeastern United States. The university is highly-selective, draws students globally, and diversity is evident across racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, national, and religious identities. This chapter focuses on three signature programs and examines the programs' underlying theoretical frameworks, program implementation, and program outcomes. Each program is presented as a case and program evaluation data is utilized to understand the learning process. The advocacy group is the subject of a mixed methods research project and preliminary data will be presented. The chapter includes a discussion of best practices and links theoretical approaches to practice.