Communication and social interaction across cultures: The case of a German and Ghanaian educational exchange program

2Citations
Citations of this article
27Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Using a constructivist epistemology, this paper explores the cross-cultural learning experiences of exchange students from Hochschule Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences in Germany and the University for Development Studies in Ghana. The findings reveal differences in the students’ commitment to agreements, tasks and time; while the German students have a high commitment to time awareness--reporting to lectures and other meetings on time--their Ghanaian counterparts do not. We suggest that universities preparing students for educational exchange programs should actively embark on cross-cultural education and training, providing adequate information on the context and culture of the host country, targeting all stakeholders before, during and after the exchange program. This will enhance effective intercultural relations and social interaction, and minimize culture shock.

References Powered by Scopus

Diversity and higher education: Theory and impact on educational outcomes

1256Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Cultural differences in teaching and learning

959Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Bridging differences: Effective intergroup communication

549Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Cited by Powered by Scopus

How Does Ocha Attend Her Lectures? Lessons Learnt From an Adult Learner With a Cinderella Complex

1Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Society and organizational leadership: Investigating the sociocultural construction of toxic and constructive leaders in Ghana

0Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Alhassan, A. R. K., Abdulai, M., & Ibrahim, H. (2020). Communication and social interaction across cultures: The case of a German and Ghanaian educational exchange program. Journal of Intercultural Communication, 2020(53), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.36923/jicc.v20i2.301

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 7

70%

Lecturer / Post doc 3

30%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Social Sciences 3

33%

Psychology 3

33%

Agricultural and Biological Sciences 2

22%

Philosophy 1

11%

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free