Erasmus students’ experience with intercultural communication

Intercultural communicative competence (ICC) has become one of the most important‎ competences in today’s world that is becoming increasingly intertwined at all levels and in all its segments. ‎Within the educational system, the ICC is recognized as a key competence. In the theoretical part of the‎ paper, ICC models are examined with the aim to identify variables that contribute to its strenghtening.‎ Bennett’s Developmental Model served as a basis for this research. This study aims at getting insight ‎into Erasmus students’ experiences with intercultural communication. A qualitative methodology was‎ employed, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results show that all respondents, ‎through the Erasmus programme experience, enhanced their knowledge, skills and awareness related to‎ intercultural communication. Important competences identified for intercultural communication include ‎skills of efficient nonverbal communication, active listening, question-asking, participation in common ‎activities, use of technology and humour. The results of this research show that Erasmus experience helps ‎develop ICC skills, awareness of one’s own culture, self-confidence and life skills.‎