A Comparison of Chinese and American Vocational Students’ Viewpoints on International Education

Abstract

The lack of intercultural competencies among secondary preservice and in-service students is one of the most significant issues facing education today. As schools, colleges, and university programs attempt to embrace the increasingly diverse student populations, mission statements have been revised and diversity initiatives designed to reflect support for a more inclusive philosophy for graduating interculturally competent students. There remains an unmet need, however, to expand American students’ international experiences while ensuring that all candidates participate in a quality experience that promotes awareness of cultures, languages, world issues, global dynamics, and human choices. This study compared Chinese and American vocational students’ viewpoints on their international experiences and their impact on the development of intercultural competencies.