ABSTRACT
In surveys of senior international officers (SIOs), one of the main knowledge areas that emerges as necessary for SIOs in internationalizing the university is that of intercultural knowledge. This chapter begins with some caveats and then highlights key intercultural points for international education leaders, based on theories to be aware of along with some implications for intercultural education leaders. When considering interactions across difference, it is helpful to recognize that differences may be influenced by one’s national culture but can also be influenced by one’s religion, gender, socioeconomic status, age/generation, and so on. There are many different terms for the concept of intercultural competence, which has become an emerging focus of international higher education. To communicate successfully across difference, it is helpful to start first by being aware of one’s own communication style, especially in face-to-face encounters. The goal in communication is to be both effective (meeting one’s own goals) and appropriate (communicating in ways that meet the other’s expectations).
