Teaching tools in the intercultural communication class – authentic materials

Abstract

Specialists in intercultural communication seek to capitalize on authenticity so as to enable learners acquire the skills necessary to cope with the challenges of multicultural working environments. We have devised a complex activity plan aimed to promote interdisciplinary learning, cultural awareness, and other professional skills among master level students. The authentic materials which set the “real world” context of the activity are the answers provided in an interview carried out in 2023 aboard a merchant ship, with seamen with different cultural backgrounds (British, Indian, Ukrainian, Filipino). The paper describes the methods and materials used and draws some conclusions on the effectiveness of the experiential approach in the context of teaching intercultural communication to master level students at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania.