INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF FOREIGN STUDENTS IN SELECTED UNIVERSITY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Due to globalization, the exchange of human resources between countries has been rampant, hence, intercultural communications between beings of different nationalities and cultures grew prominent in the Philippines especially in educational institutions. This study seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the communication processes happening inside the intercultural space. The researcher chose and interviewed 10 foreign students in Central Luzon State University and other universities in Baguio City that qualified the requirements proposed in the study. The majority of the respondents were females, however, sexual preference did not influence the academic performance of the respondents. The duration of their study in the Philippines did not improve their situation as well. Religion and Language culture became the most influential aspect of being a foreigner. The results showed that the respondents suffered greatly from language and attitude problems. Moreover, family, friends, and religion greatly motivated the respondents to study harder. According to the interviews, most of the respondents did not receive any special program or treatment from the institution that they are enrolled in. No language subjects were required for them to take, that is why some of the respondents could not speak or understand another language aside from their native one. Communication barriers caused them to diverge away from the natives. On the other hand, some respondents experienced a different process wherein albeit with the communication barriers, accommodative features were utilized such as showing of interests, and sympathy, that cause the foreigners and the native to converge into each other and effectively communicate.