Studying abroad is one of the most transformative experiences language learners can have. For students of Spanish or French—two languages that span continents and cultures—being immersed in the target culture presents daily opportunities to go beyond vocabulary and grammar and to truly connect with other ways of thinking, behaving, and communicating.
This ability, known as intercultural competence, is essential in a world where personal, academic, and professional interactions increasingly cross cultural boundaries. Yet, for this growth to happen, cultural immersion must be more than passive exposure—it must be accompanied by critical observation, guided reflection, and meaningful engagement.
Intercultural Competence: A Key Outcome of Studying Abroad
Learning a language means entering a new worldview. In the case of Spanish and French, learners encounter a rich spectrum of idiomatic expressions, social behaviors, politeness norms, taboos, gestures, and unspoken values. Studying abroad magnifies this exposure: the street becomes a classroom, and every conversation becomes a cultural lesson.
But navigating a new culture also comes with challenges. Students may feel confused, overwhelmed, or even frustrated. That’s why it’s essential to integrate pedagogical support that encourages reflection and intercultural dialogue throughout the experience. Institutions and programs that offer academic structure, faculty support, and cultural resources are key to helping learners turn their cultural encounters into lasting insights.
Keys to Fostering Intercultural Competence While Studying Abroad
- Invite observation and documentation of cultural differences
Encourage students to keep an intercultural journal. They can record gestures, customs, communication styles, or behaviors that catch their attention. These notes can be discussed in class to promote open dialogue and avoid simplistic generalizations. - Create spaces for comparing cultures
Through guided discussions or reflective writing, students can contrast elements of the host culture with their own—such as mealtime routines, humor, or classroom dynamics. These comparisons help students articulate what they’re learning and where cultural friction may still exist. - Use authentic local materials
Incorporating local news articles, podcasts, songs, or memes helps students engage with contemporary cultural codes. It also deepens their connection to the language and the society they’re immersed in. - Encourage interaction with native speakers outside the classroom
Community engagement is invaluable. Volunteering, language exchanges, or joining local clubs allows students to practice intercultural communication in real-world contexts and build meaningful relationships. - Reflect On Misunderstandings
Moments of confusion or cultural missteps can be powerful learning opportunities. Analyzing them without judgment encourages empathy and resilience, while helping students refine their intercultural awareness.
Small Moments, Big Impact: Everyday Culture as a Teaching Tool
Beyond museums and textbooks, intercultural learning often happens in the smallest, most ordinary moments. A trip to the grocery store, a conversation on public transport, or a misunderstanding at a café can serve as powerful cultural texts. These experiences provide rich opportunities for classroom discussion when framed through guided activities.
Ask students to observe and share brief anecdotes from daily life: How do people greet one another? What do they eat for breakfast? How do they navigate silence or disagreement?
These micro-observations help students understand the deeper layers of culture: assumptions, values, communication patterns, and even emotional responses. Framing these daily encounters as learning moments transforms students from passive tourists into active cultural learners.
Why Intercultural Competence Matters
Intercultural competence is not an “extra” in language education—it is an essential component. In the case of Spanish and French, where language and identity are deeply intertwined with history, migration, and global diversity, developing this skill allows learners to go beyond functional communication and build authentic, respectful connections across cultures.
For students studying abroad, every cultural encounter—whether smooth or challenging—offers the chance to grow as communicators, observers, and global citizens. By making space for reflection, comparison, and genuine engagement, educators can help transform a semester abroad into a lifelong lesson in empathy, adaptability, and intercultural understanding.
By Andreina Ibarra.
Read also: Beyond Grammar: Cultivating Soft Skills Through Language Learning
