Academic and Intercultural Competences of International Students in Higher Education

Abstract International education is crucial in Europe; almost all higher educational institutions (HEIs) have international students studying part or full time in English. However, students are often not prepared for the academic process and are not always interculturally competent to study in the international environment. Authors of the present research suppose that apart from communicative language competence, that is vital for the success of studies, learners are expected to possess knowledge and skills on how to study and how to cooperate with students with other cultural backgrounds. The study aims at investigating what academic requirements students as HEI applicants should be prepared for before entrance to the university and what competences, as a result, are required of them for a successful process of studies. Theoretical findings on academic and intercultural competences are presented and the framework of these competences describing skills, abilities and knowledge is compiled. The empirical research includes a case study in Latvia and examples of intercultural competence in the academic environment in Moldova. Insights from theory and the framework may lay background for future research and may benefit different stakeholders of the HEI − international department, students and the academic personnel.