Cultivating Global Understanding: Enhancing Intercultural Communication at BFSU

Abstract

Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC) is increasingly recognized as a vital skill in today's globalized world, particularly within diverse educational settings. This study focuses on Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), an institution with a multicultural student body, to examine the opportunities and challenges of fostering effective cross-cultural communication. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 110 participants to assess cultural awareness, language barriers, program participation, resource satisfaction, and intercultural sensitivity. The findings reveal several significant obstacles, including limited awareness of intercultural programs, language difficulties, and a neutral level of satisfaction with existing support services. Despite these challenges, 34.5% of respondents expressed interest in cultural events, and 40.9% reported a moderate improvement in their ICC skills. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as enhanced communication platforms, multilingual resources, and improved intercultural programming. These initiatives can help both Chinese and international students better navigate cultural differences. Addressing these issues would enable BFSU to create a more inclusive and globally aware campus environment, contributing to the broader discourse on intercultural communication in higher education.