Becoming interculturally competent involves three dimensions, cognitive, affective, and behavioral:
| Cognitive Dimension | Affective Dimension | Behavioral Dimension |
| Knowledge about cultural norms, values, behaviors, and issues |
Flexibility to adapt to new situations Open-mindedness to encounter to new values |
Critical skills such as resourcefulness, problem-solving skills, and culturally-appropriate people skills |
How do you attain these dimensions?
Pre-departure Research
Become familiar with the culture of the host country through coursework, informal interactions with foreign students, foreign movies, novels, etc. The old adage, “when in Rome do as the Romans do” reflects a much broader attitude than mere imitation. To familiarize yourself with the culture of the host country means to understand the attitudes, values, and beliefs of that culture and try to approach the country where you will be living through the eyes of a native.
On-site Integration
Make every effort to meet the nationals of your host country. It is too easy to fall into the rut of associating only with other Americans. Sometimes, you make the effort with great embarrassment, to be friendly with a national only to be met by reserve and distance. Don’t give up. What you may interpret as rejection is usually only the difference in cultural patters of the host country. By the end of the term, your best friends will be the natives of the host country.
Continual Reflection
Keep a diary, journal, or scrapbook. When you are experiencing a new culture, seeing new places, and meeting new friends, everything is so imminent and vital that you feel as if you will never forget it. In reality, before you leave, you will have forgotten the confusion of the first day of university, how you felt when you first saw a great monument, you first local friend. Memories are elusive. Try to capture them at the time.