As you finalize your curriculum plans for the upcoming academic year or create new programs within your organization, you’ve likely faced a familiar challenge: How to develop robust intercultural competencies when international travel opportunities are limited by budget constraints, scheduling difficulties, or accessibility issues.
We’ve previously highlighted research showing that while international educational experiences uniquely enhance global mindset, several other dimensions of intercultural effectiveness develop through thoughtful educational experiences regardless of travel. Let’s explore compelling evidence that demonstrates how strategically designed domestic experiences can develop comprehensive intercultural competence—even rivaling the benefits of international experiences like working abroad or study abroad programs.
Bridging Previous Insights with New Possibilities
The 2018 study we featured previously revealed that global mindset—the active interest in learning about other cultures and people—was uniquely enhanced by international experiences. While this affirmed the value of study abroad programs, it also raised an important question: How can we develop all dimensions of intercultural effectiveness when international travel isn’t possible for every person?
Recent research from the Global Leadership Advancement Center (GLAC) at San Jose State University provides an encouraging answer. Their carefully designed “glocal classroom” approach demonstrates that domestic intercultural experiences can develop all dimensions measured by the Intercultural Effectiveness Scale (IES), including elements of global mindset.
The Evidence: Closing the Gap Without Leaving Home
The GLAC study tracked 145 undergraduate students through a 15-week semester course specifically designed to accelerate intercultural development. Using pre-post IES assessments, researchers found:
- Significant improvements across all six IES dimensions: Self-Awareness, Exploration, World Orientation, Relationship Development, Positive Regard, and Emotional Resilience
- Students without prior study abroad experience “caught up” to the baseline scores of students who had previously studied abroad
- While students with international experience maintained their advantage by continuing to grow, the gap significantly narrowed
This research offers a powerful insight: A thoughtfully designed domestic program can help participants achieve intercultural competency levels comparable to those entering with international experience—effectively replicating key aspects of the “international experience advantage.”
The “Glocal Classroom” Approach: Global Learning in Local Settings
The GLAC success stems from its innovative “glocal” approach—creating globally relevant learning experiences in a local setting. Key elements include:
Leveraging Existing Differences: The program intentionally draws on the varied backgrounds and perspectives already present in the participant population, creating microcosms of global interaction.
Expert-Informed Design: The curriculum incorporates guidance from global leadership experts and best practices from multiple disciplines.
Assessment Center Methodology: Participants engage in realistic simulations and exercises that require applying intercultural skills in practical scenarios.
Structured Reflection: Guided reflection connects experiences to competency development, deepening learning beyond mere exposure to differences.
Measurement-Based Development: Using the IES as both pre- and post-assessment allows for tracking progress and tailoring activities to specific developmental needs.
Implementation Strategies for Academic Programs
As you develop plans for upcoming programs, consider these approaches to create powerful glocal learning environments:
Cultural Mapping Activities: Have participants identify and map the cultural differences within your community, then design interaction opportunities that leverage these differences.
Virtual Exchange Programs: Partner with organizations in other countries for collaborative online projects where participants work in mixed cultural teams on shared challenges.
Community Cultural Resources: Develop relationships with local cultural organizations, immigrant communities, and international businesses for guest speakers, field trips, and project opportunities.
Simulated Cultural Experiences: Create immersive simulations where participants navigate unfamiliar cultural rules and norms within the local setting.
Cultural Mentor Programs: Connect participants with peers or community members from different cultural backgrounds for ongoing dialogue and relationship development.
Integrated Assessment: Use tools like the IES to measure development and tailor experiences to participants’ specific intercultural learning needs.
Applications Beyond The Classroom
The glocal approach offers valuable applications across various contexts:
- Corporations can create cross-cultural project teams and structured interaction opportunities that develop global competencies without expensive international assignments.
- Community Organizations can design programs that build bridges between diverse local populations, enhancing social cohesion while developing globally relevant skills.
How to Incorporate A Glocal Approach
To implement an effective glocal strategy in your context:
- Assess Your Current Approach: Consider how your existing program supports intercultural development, both through international and domestic experiences.
- Identify Glocal Opportunities: Map the cultural differences and resources within your organization and local community that could enhance intercultural learning.
- Integrate Assessment: Implement pre-post measurement of intercultural competencies to track development and demonstrate program effectiveness.
- Design Intentional Interactions: Create structured opportunities for meaningful engagement across differences, rather than assuming mere exposure will lead to development.
- Incorporate Reflection: Build in regular opportunities for participants to reflect on and articulate their intercultural learning experiences.
While international experiences offer valuable benefits for intercultural development, the glocal classroom approach provides a powerful complement—and sometimes alternative—that ensures everyone can develop the intercultural competencies essential for success in our interconnected world.
For a deeper exploration of the Global Leadership Advancement Center research and glocal classroom approach, read Dr. Joyce Osland’s full article.