Educational Exchange Research Articles

Conceptualizing and integrating intercultural communicative competence in the English Language Teaching

Numerous higher education institutions prepare students English skills for life and jobs in a globalized world in light of current developments in international education. For many universities, they entails expanding educational exchange opportunities for domestic and international students, internationalizing the curriculum and campus, and helping students achieve intercultural competency. This research explored the concept of intercultural communicative competence in the teaching of the English language. It articulated the Byram’s framework. This research was a literature study with descriptive qualitative research and the latest literature review to illustrate the importance of integrating intercultural communicative competence (ICC) to the instructor in English learning and teaching. Some collection and review of references through scientific literature sources related to ICC and the integration in English language teaching keywords were addressed. As for the author's reference sources, they were determined from 2015 to 2023. The results of the study showed that the promoting and conceptualizing ICC in English classroom practice to the teacher has an important role in helping students achieve and develop learning activities that can be practiced directly by students in everyday life. Moreover, it was also mentioned that integrating the framework of the proposed concept into English Language Teaching (ELT) could help students develop their linguistic, intercultural competence, and sociocultural skills to communicating in proper English in appropriate real-life situations, and raised the teachers’ awareness.

Cultural Diversity & Policy Making: India’s G-20 Presidency.

India's policy, diplomacy, and international outreach endeavours are shaped by its cultural diversity and richness, which presents the nation's distinct identity to the globe. The main issues covered in a number of topics are summarized in this abstract, including cultural diplomacy, policies influenced by diversity, India's soft power potential, and methods for promoting Indian culture internationally. India has the potential to be a soft power due to its rich cultural legacy, dynamic democracy, and long history. India has demonstrated its power to affect global agendas and perceptions through cultural, diplomatic, and economic methods through projects such as its presidency of the G-20. India promotes its ideals of inclusion, tolerance, and respect for all people by utilizing its rich cultural legacy to build international collaboration and ties. India's foreign policy is based on cultural diplomacy, which allows the nation to present its rich history and customs to the world. India facilitates intercultural discourse, strengthens interpersonal relationships, and advances a more comprehensive comprehension of its multifaceted cultural mosaic through the organization of cultural exchanges, festivals, and exhibitions. India connects with global audiences through cultural centers, educational exchange programs, and internet outreach to promote awareness and recognition of its cultural richness. India's diverse culture has an impact on policy in a number of areas, including social welfare, language, education, and healthcare. India undertakes programs to protect minority rights, encourage linguistic variety, and incorporate indigenous knowledge systems into governance and development strategies because it understands the value of protecting and developing cultural heritage. India keeps its promise to social justice and inclusivity by tackling socioeconomic inequalities and empowering neglected populations. There are many different ways to promote Indian culture internationally, ranging from digital outreach and cultural diplomacy to supporting the cultural industries and encouraging tourism. India uses its cultural resources to draw visitors, present its artistic creations, and promote cross-cultural exchange via international cultural institutions, festivals, and exhibitions. India's attempts to promote its unique cultural history are strengthened when it collaborates with international organizations, educational institutions, and diaspora populations. This increases global appreciation and recognition of India's cultural outreach. In summary, India's cultural diversity and richness are important advantages that help to shape its foreign ties and global identity. India bolsters its soft power and promotes more understanding, collaboration, and harmony in an increasingly interconnected globe by embracing its cultural history, fostering cultural exchange, and interacting with global audiences.

CHINA`S IMAGE BUILDING INITIATIVES IN THE MUSLIM WORLD: ASSESSING THE ROLE OF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN THE CONTEXT OF BRI

This study aims to explore China`s public diplomacy initiatives in the Muslim world in the context of BRI. Over the past several years, China has taken significant steps to promote public diplomacy in the Muslim World, evidenced by its increased engagements with Muslim countries and their public. Public diplomacy has emerged as one of the key components of BRI. Through public diplomacy, China has taken steps to build its image in Muslim nations with which China holds deep historical linkages. The Muslim world holds great significance for China, as it plays a crucial role in achieving China`s foreign policy objectives. The study focuses on China`s public diplomacy which aims to promote China`s positive image through cultural exchange, educational exchange, economic cooperation, and the role of media. The findings of the research show that China`s public diplomacy is playing a positive role and helping the country build its image and counter negative public perceptions.

Cooperation Between the USSR and India in the 1950-1960s: The First Youth and Student Visits

In the 21st century, the Russian Federation and the Republic of India have great scientific and educational potential. The particularly privileged strategic partnership between the two states is aimed, among other things, at the development and innovations of scientific and educational cooperation, which has stable traditions laid down in the second half of the last century. It was during this period that the first connections were established between students and youth of the two countries. The VI World Festival of Youth and Students, held in Moscow in 1957, was the starting point for building youth cooperation, the activities of the International Youth Tourism Bureau “Sputnik,” and the first tourist trips of Soviet students to India. The relevance of the article is determined by the appeal of the interuniversity team of authors of the RUDN University, MGIMO University and Lipetsk State Pedagogical P. P. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky University to the topic that had not previously been the subject of comprehensive research either in Russia or in India. The purpose of this study is to analyze the goals, forms of organization and significance of the Soviet-Indian youth and student partnership in the late 1950s - early 1960s on the basis of materials from the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History that were not involved in scientific circulation. The authors use a constructivist approach demonstrating the connection between society and politics and revealing the impact of international cooperation on the institutionalization, development of scientific and educational partnership between the USSR and India at the interstate and interinstitutional levels. The Khrushchev “thaw” period laid the foundations for Soviet-Indian cooperation between the two states in the field of higher education, youth and student academic exchange and tourism. In the 21st century, the experience of the world festivals of youth and students, the work of the “Sputnik” bureau is relevant, since the Republic of India is one of the important and priority partners for the Russian Federation. Students of Modern Russia also face the task of establishing and developing academic and cultural ties with India, increasing the prestige of the country in the eyes of Indians and the whole world.

Current situation and employment prospects of Chinese language graduates

Relevance. In the modern world, where globalization plays a key role in economic and cultural development, the study of foreign languages is becoming an increasingly important process that positively affects the well-being of both society and the state as a whole. One such language that is attracting the attention of young people and graduates in Kyrgyzstan is Chinese. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyse the features of learning and promoting the Chinese language in Kyrgyzstan, as well as its potential opportunities for students in the labour market. Methodology. The following methods were used: descriptive, comparative and survey. Results. The results of the work determined that the current situation and employment prospects of Chinese-speaking graduates are very promising and full of opportunities. One of the main reasons for the growing interest in learning Chinese is the rapid development of China as a global economic and political power. China is becoming an increasingly important partner for Kyrgyzstan in the field of trade, economy, cultural and educational exchange, where the Confucius Institute represented in the country plays a leading role. This creates a need for Chinese-speaking professionals with a deep understanding of Chinese culture and business practices. According to the survey, learning Chinese is of great importance for graduates, opening up new opportunities for them in the international arena. Conclusions. The research concluded that despite advantages from Chinese language training and institutional support, Kyrgyz graduates face employment challenges, requiring further initiatives to better integrate qualified personnel into relevant labor markets. Keywords: labour market; international cooperation; educational exchange; professional activity; cultural development; chinese language

An Examination of Nigeria and United States Relations: A Theoretical Perspective

The diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States over the years have been marred by ups and down, progressive and regressive character. This paper examined the diplomatic relations between both countries under the Goodluck Jonathan and General Buhari’s administration (2011-2021). The paper focused on both countries diplomatic relations specifically on pandemic response and health, bilateral economic engagement, educational and cultural exchanges and peace and security engagement. Anchoring the paper’s theoretical review on trait theory of the leadership, the paper reviewed the collected historical data and conducted a comparative analysis of Goodluck’s administrations’ foreign relations with the United States (2011-2015) and that of his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2021). The review revealed that Goodluck and Buhari shuttle diplomacy is yet to achieve a convincing impact on the international community in terms of establishing a strong foreign relation with the U.S and the challenges of Nigeria's foreign relations is how to overcome its integrity crisis, and thereby securing the desired respect for its citizens internationally. This paper further revealed that Buhari's foreign relation with the United States has more impact on Nigeria's economy than that of Goodluck administration, even though the challenges are still present in the Buhari administration such as the Boko-Haram insurgency, unemployment, farmers-headmen crises, kidnapping, police brutality, and so on. The paper recommended that for Nigeria to promote a viable national interest it must pursue and promote a dynamic and assertive foreign relation with the United States and other big nations of the world.

Analysis of Differences in Chinese and English Classroom Teaching

Analysis of Differences in Chinese and English Classroom Teaching

The Historical Process and Deep Influence of Sino-Thai Educational Intermingling—A Case Study on Yunnan Context

Background and Aims: As China's radiation center faces South and Southeast Asia and the forefront of the "the Belt and Road" construction, Yunnan's unique geographical location and rich cultural heritage provide valuable opportunities for educational exchanges between the two countries. Therefore, to further analyze the profound impact of cultural exchange between the two countries on China. This article aims to explore the future direction and possibilities of education cooperation between China and Thailand, taking Yunnan as an example. From a more comprehensive and profound perspective, it provides feasible ways to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries and deepen cooperation. Methodology: By using the methods of historical records, policy analysis, and comparative study, this paper examines the evolution of educational exchanges between China and Thailand and its impact on the educational policies of the two countries. This paper first reviews the historical evolution of educational exchanges between China and Thailand, and analyzes the cooperation mechanism and contents of cooperation between the two countries in the field of education. Then, this paper compares the characteristics of the internationalization of higher education between China and Thailand, as well as the cooperation between the two countries in personnel training, teaching method improvement, and education quality assurance. Finally, this paper discusses the impact of Sino-Thai educational exchanges on the economic, cultural, and educational changes of the two countries, as well as the experiences and feelings of students in educational exchanges between the two countries. Results: the educational cooperation between China and Thailand has developed from the early language and cultural exchanges to a deeper level of educational cooperation, including degree education and professional training. This paper finds that the driving force of Sino-Thai educational cooperation mainly comes from the political, economic, and cultural interdependence of the two countries, as well as the interest and curiosity of the students of the two countries. This paper also finds that the effect of Sino-Thai educational cooperation is mainly reflected in the improvement of the knowledge, skills, and literacy of the students of the two countries, as well as the enhancement of cross-cultural awareness and cross-cultural communication ability of the students of the two countries. Conclusion: The educational exchanges between China and Thailand have not only enriched the learning experience of the students of the two countries but also promoted friendly cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in the field of education. This paper holds that the educational exchange between China and Thailand is not only an important way for cultural exchange between the two countries but also an important basis for the friendly relations between the two countries. This paper suggests that the future Sino-Thai educational cooperation model should pay more attention to the actual needs of the market and society, as well as the development of high-level cooperative education. This paper also suggests that the two countries should strengthen the supervision and evaluation of educational exchanges to ensure the quality and effectiveness of education.

The role of Erasmus+ mobility program on higher education in Albania: The case of the University of Tirana

Abstract Albania’s higher education system has been through dynamic changes and challenges after the fall of the dictatorship in 1990. Till 2007 there were only state owned universities, but starting from 2017 the high education sector was liberalized. Connections with Erasmus+ as an ambitious EU program that has played an essential role in shaping the landscape of international education and fostering cross-cultural exchange has been made since the opening of the country. Universities made a lot of effort to become more open and to participate into internationals programmes and initiatives. Erasmus, a flagship program of the European Union has played a pivotal role in transforming higher education and fostering international cooperation. The presence of Erasmus in Albania has been crucial for the internationalization of universities in Albania, but especially to students. Objectives This paper aims to explore the key objectives, components, and impact of the Erasmus+ program, with a particular focus on its contribution to educational mobility, intercultural understanding, and the development of a more integrated European community. The paper focuses on the impact of Erasmus in Albania, examining the program’s objectives, implementation, challenges, and the broader implications for the country’s educational landscape and cultural exchange.

Future Potentials for International Virtual Exchange in Higher Education Post COVID-19: A Scoping Review

(1) Background: International virtual exchanges (IVEs) are here to stay. The coronavirus pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) necessitated global virtual interactions to solve wicked problems. Within industry during the pandemic, the use of online technologies expanded at a never-before-seen rate to form global partnerships At the same time, higher-education institutions lessened traditional international offerings, reimagining “campus” education using “just in time online education”. Still others leveraged international partnerships to fully embrace IVEs. Adopting virtual learning technologies to support global exchange in this way develops the knowledge and skills required in a post-pandemic world. To continue to shape knowledge that supports international collaboration toward addressing increasingly complex societal issues, higher education must learn to leverage IVEs, addressing issues of access, equity, and cost. (2) Methods: This research was conducted according to the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews” (PRISMA-Scr) guidelines. It systematically analyzed the literature published since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring methods, models, and the outcomes of IVE in higher education. (3) Results: The findings demonstrate the potential for IVE to be scaled across higher education to promote the knowledge and skills required by a global ecology.

Accidental paradiplomats? The curious case of Ontario school board budgets and Canadian soft power projection.

From the earliest studies of soft power in International Relations, the importance of educational exchanges has been well-established. Studies of international education in the context of Canadian soft power often draw on cases from the higher education sector. This article argues that greater attention should be paid to the K-12 level, especially as budgetary pressures in Ontario's education system are leading school boards to rapidly expand their international student recruitment efforts. Although this is not an example of intentional soft power projection, it nevertheless represents an important reminder that subnational actors may accidentally become paradiplomats whose actions have consequences on the international level. Further, this case reveals the importance of paying attention to actors typically overlooked by IR scholarship. Drawing on Joseph Nye's theory of soft power and in conversation with prior research on international education as a mechanism of soft power projection, this article traces the thread between budgetary pressures in Ontario school boards and the broader context of soft power projection.

Study of the concept of aesthetic education in China and Kyrgyzstan

Relevance. The concept of aesthetic education and its implementation in the educational process and daily life of states is one of the fundamental conditions for the becoming of civil society, and has an essential impact on the formation of the cultural heritage of any country in the world.Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the specific features of the concepts of aesthetic education in the People�s Republic of China (PRC) and Kyrgyzstan, as well as to identify differences in the cultural and educational systems of these two countries.Methodology. The methodological framework of this study included the methods and techniques of scientific cognition, which were used to solve the tasks set and ensure the relevance of the results obtained. The study employed the general scientific systemic-structural, dialectical, interdisciplinary historical and legal methods and the method of synthesis, as well as the methods of analysis and a systematic approach to conducting this study.Results. The research found that the differences in the concepts of aesthetic education stem primarily from the different historical, cultural, and educational environments of the two countries. China has a long tradition of art and culture, and much attention is paid to art education. Kyrgyzstan, as a multinational state, also has a diverse culture, but the population is focused on how to promote its unique culture through aesthetic education. The Chinese education system also includes aesthetic education as a subject in the compulsory curriculum and has a special art education course. In Kyrgyzstan, however, there are specialised art courses and various educational resources available, but the level of aesthetic education stays relatively low.Conclusions. The result of this study can serve as an impetus for finding opportunities for educational exchanges and cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan, which will help expand intercultural relations and improve cultural education in general, and can help to better understand the nature and characteristics of aesthetic education in the two countries, which will contribute to the establishment of educational exchanges and cooperation between them.

A relational approach to knowledge exchange in higher education

ABSTRACT Reference to Knowledge Exchange (KE) in UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has become common place, reflecting the continued changing role of universities within society. Arguably, KE draws together notions of HEIs as purveyors of knowledge, with students helping to create a tripartite relationship with HEIs and the wider community as well as a civic responsibility to contribute to the wider public good. Realising the potential benefits of this inter-relationship required a problematising of the meanings of both knowledge and the notion of an exchange, drawing on the work of Dewey and Bernstein. Our paper offers an analysis of the different epistemological positions governing understandings of knowledge and how these are influenced by the performativity and neoliberal responsibilisation of modern universities. More specifically, the epistemological position encouraged by the modern university leads to a tension between measurement and evaluation of KE on the one hand and pedagogical practice on the other. Taking into account these tensions, the paper offers an alternative approach to knowledge exchange with suggested principles to underpin a future relational pedagogy for KE.

Navigating Educational Challenges in Cambodia: Insights from China's Vocational Education Assistance Programs

This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of China's pivotal role in supporting Cambodia's vocational education under the ambit of the Belt and Road Initiative, shedding light on the crucial contribution of educational exchanges in fostering economic development. The examination encompasses a detailed analysis of the challenges faced by Cambodia in its pursuit of industrial transformation and workforce skill enhancement. China's substantial aid, manifested through initiatives such as school construction and teacher training, has played a transformative role in fortifying Cambodia's educational infrastructure and facilitating a seamless economic transition. While these initiatives have borne significant fruit, persistent challenges in cultural adaptation, technology transfer, and sustainable development loom large, demanding sustained attention.

UNOFFICIAL CULTURAL AMBASSADORS: EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS OF MALAYSIAN STUDENT SCHOLARS IN AMERICA

International educational exchange programmes promote a person’s intellectual development and cultural understanding, which could also foster mutual cooperation and stronger diplomatic ties between countries. Through these programmes, students can socially interact and learn about others from diverse backgrounds. However, the rise of Islamophobia after the September 11 attacks has inculcated the fear of “the Other” and limited the number of Muslim students allowed to study in America, as Muslim culture and religious values are popularly perceived as incompatible with American values and thus viewed as a threat. This study contributes to the literature of diplomacy by highlighting the experiences of sixteen Malaysian scholars sponsored by the Malaysian government and the challenges they experienced during their educational exchange in America. The aim of this qualitative study is to understand the experiences of Malaysian student scholars by identifying: (1) how they initially perceived America; (2) their motivations for wanting to study in America; (3) the challenges they faced; and (4) how their experiences transformed them. The study found that many students faced initial struggles with racism, cultural challenges, and difficulty in achieving cultural assimilation. However, they were able to overcome misperceptions and negative stereotypes. The findings highlight the positive impact of their academic and cultural exchange, its success in reducing divisiveness, and the influence of soft power in strengthening relations between America and Malaysia.

Strategies and challenges of teaching Indonesian to foreign speakers at Bandung State University

Considering the ongoing era of globalization, the importance of teaching Indonesian to foreign residents is increasing. Indonesian, as the official language of Indonesia, has important meaning as the main language in Southeast Asia. In addition, this language is recognized as one of the official languages of ASEAN and has an important function in encouraging international cooperation. As a result, more and more people from various countries are choosing to master Indonesian for academic, commercial or personal purposes. However, empirical evidence shows that several challenges hinder cultural exchange in BIPA education. These include the lack of Indonesian language skills among international students at the elementary level, the rise of bilingualism in Indonesian society, cross-cultural differences, the speed of communication in Indonesian society, and even low motivation among international students. This report explores the challenges and strategies involved in teaching at Bandung State University. This research aims to increase the effectiveness of teaching Indonesian to non-native students by overcoming various challenges faced in the teaching and learning process. This research uses a qualitative approach and uses in-depth interviews as the main method of data collection. The research involved 8 Indonesian language lecturers from various countries who taught non-native speakers. Research findings show that the main problem is the complicated Indonesian grammar, which is an obstacle for non-native speakers to understand. In addition, it is very important to modify the teaching methodology to meet the preferences and learning needs of international students. One approach to overcome this problem is to simplify grammar teaching by using practical illustrations. In addition, this research reveals the importance for BIPA teachers to consider the balance between language skills and non-skills material, cross-cultural factors for both students and teachers, student characteristics, students' goals in learning BIPA and selecting learning methods that suit their needs. Target. These features can be enhanced by incorporating active learning methodologies, such as role-playing, into a student-centered teaching style tailored to the specific needs and preferences of international students.

Creation of mobile electronic educational resources based on instrumental complexes

Relevance. The relevance of the research is determined by the ever-increasing importance of the modern education informatization, which is defined as a systematically organized process that includes a number of studies of various directions, designed to implement the wide possibilities of information, communication technologies. Purpose. The main research purpose is to study the prospects for the development of mobile educational resources based on the use of instrumental complexes. Methodology. The methodology of this research paper is based on a combination of the method of system analysis of key aspects of the development and practical implementation of information and communication technologies with a comprehensive study of various options for their use in the creation of mobile electronic educational resources based on instrumental complexes. Results. The research results illustrate the significant importance of creating mobile electronic educational resources based on instrumental complexes and their practical application in the modern education system as a means of information support, assessment of students' knowledge and implementation of the principles of a full-fledged cultural exchange. Varieties of digital educational resources were presented, as well as an example of the functioning of a mobile electronic educational resource in the framework of solving practical issues of assessing students' knowledge. Conclusions. The study underscores the practical importance of mobile electronic educational resources for enhancing information access, knowledge assessment, cultural exchange in modern education. These resources facilitate the integration of smart technologies and digital information, supporting teachers and students in achieving a more effective and comprehensive educational process. The practical significance of the research lies in the possibility of application the obtained results in the creation of mobile electronic resources and knowledge bases in the field of education, in order to ensure the access of teachers and students of educational institutions to the information necessary for the full-fledged educational process. Keywords: educational complex; digital culture; education system; smart technologies; information and communication technologies; digital information resources

Research on the Status Quo and High-Quality Development of Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education in China

Faced with unprecedented changes in the world, China has chosen to continue expanding its opening-up and actively cooperate with other countries. Internationalization of education is one of the important directions for the future development of universities. Since the reform and opening-up, a series of Sino-foreign cooperative education policies have been successively released, forming a relatively systematic and complete policy system. Under the promotion of policies, Chinese universities actively engage in Sino-foreign cooperative education, with increasingly frequent educational exchanges and a clear trend towards internationalization. The scale of Sino-foreign cooperative education is also constantly expanding. It is worthy to explore how to draw on advanced teaching experience from overseas, continue to promote Sino-foreign cooperative education, and improve the quality of Sino-foreign cooperative education.

A Common Purpose? Social Work Students’ Social Justice Related Views in Finland and the island of Ireland

Abstract Exploring social work students’ views to understand how equipped they are to pursue the social justice mission of the profession should be of central academic and practical interest. There are, however, surprisingly few empirical studies focussing on social work students’ views on social justice-related issues from a comparative viewpoint. Such knowledge is thought to be of a wider international interest from a number of perspectives, including social work education and student exchange and, in a wider context, for the development of social work as a profession and for discussing the prerequisites for shared international notions of social work. This article explores the views of social work students studying in different socio-economic contexts and welfare regimes in relation to some key aspects assumed to be vital for the profession. The results based on survey data from student cohorts in Finland (N = 608) and the island of Ireland (N = 279) support the general conclusion that there are important, similar patterns of motivations and understandings amongst the students, despite substantial differences in histories, welfare state developments, current policies and social conditions in various jurisdictions. The results are of interest to educators across countries internationally and provide an important basis for future similar studies.

Economic Growth in China: The Impact of Globalization

Globalization is an intrinsic part of todays economic exchanges. This research investigates the impact of globalization on Chinas economic development. For inferences, it relies on a comprehensive literature review of relevant material published within the last 10 years. The focal themes in the literature review include knowledge transfer, trade expansion, and FDI. Consequently, the study concludes that globalization has had a substantial impact on China's economic development. It establishes that China has been able to close the technological divide, expand its industrial base, and boost productivity as a result of technology transfer in and out of the country. Furthermore, China has become a major exporter given the trade expansion involved in globalization. The resultant FDI has aided China's economic growth by facilitating infrastructural and industrial growth. China's human capital growth is enhanced by the transmission of knowledge through collaborations and educational exchanges. Future studies should, however, examine the nuances of economic growth through the globalization prism.