Advising International Students in Engineering Programs: Academic Advisors' Perceptions of Intercultural Communication Competence

Abstract

In recent years, an increasing number of international students have enrolled in engineering programs in U.S. colleges and universities. These students often encounter challenges, and academic advisors play a significant role in international students' academic success. Using a model of intercultural communication competence, we explored attitudes toward and understanding of cultural differences among academic advisors in a college of engineering at a 4-year research university. We also investigated advisors' knowledge of and skills in conducting intercultural communication with international students. The findings shed light on advising international students in engineering programs, and we provide recommendations for academic advisors on conducting effective communication with students from diverse cultural backgrounds.