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Intercultural Sensitivity as a Pathway to Students' Cultural Competence and Identity Formation in Virtual Exchanges

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Title: Intercultural Sensitivity as a Pathway to Students' Cultural Competence and Identity Formation in Virtual Exchanges
Language: English
Authors: Andreas Rogler (ORCID 0009-0000-4525-5806), Lijuan Wang (ORCID 0000-0002-5828-4363), Kiyoko Uematsu-Ervasti (ORCID 0000-0001-5383-8905)
Source: Journal of International Students. 2026 16(2):25-44.
Availability: Journal of International Students. 4005 Spurgeon Drive #6, Monroe, LA 71203. Tel: 318-600-5743; Fax: 318-342-3131; e-mail: jis@ojed.org; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jis/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Intercultural Communication, Cultural Awareness, Computer Mediated Communication, Self Concept, Foreign Countries, Barriers, Educational Environment, Capacity Building, Western Civilization, Student Experience, Universities, College Students, Global Approach, Student Attitudes
Geographic Terms: Japan, Finland
ISSN: 2162-3104
2166-3750
Abstract: Virtual exchanges are increasingly used to expand access to international education. This study explored how Japanese students experienced intercultural learning and identity development within a virtual exchange programme conducted at a Finnish university. Using the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale as an analytical lens, qualitative data were drawn from semistructured interviews with programme participants to investigate how virtual, multicultural environments shape students' intercultural sensitivity and identity formation. The findings revealed that challenges related to interaction engagement, attentiveness and confidence were exacerbated by language barriers, differing communication norms, and the limitations of online learning environments. These factors significantly influence students' capacity for meaningful intercultural engagement and identity exploration. Moreover, respectful and inclusive peer interactions, scaffolded group work and play-based activities were found to enhance students' enjoyment, confidence and self-awareness. As a result, intercultural sensitivity emerged as a key condition shaping identity formation, which underscores the importance of culturally responsive programme designs tailored for online learning spaces that foster inclusion and personal transformation.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1495311
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
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  Data: Intercultural Sensitivity as a Pathway to Students' Cultural Competence and Identity Formation in Virtual Exchanges
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Andreas+Rogler%22">Andreas Rogler</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4525-5806">0009-0000-4525-5806</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Lijuan+Wang%22">Lijuan Wang</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5828-4363">0000-0002-5828-4363</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kiyoko+Uematsu-Ervasti%22">Kiyoko Uematsu-Ervasti</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5383-8905">0000-0001-5383-8905</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+International+Students%22"><i>Journal of International Students</i></searchLink>. 2026 16(2):25-44.
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  Data: Journal of International Students. 4005 Spurgeon Drive #6, Monroe, LA 71203. Tel: 318-600-5743; Fax: 318-342-3131; e-mail: jis@ojed.org; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jis/index
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  Data: 2162-3104<br />2166-3750
– Name: Abstract
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  Data: Virtual exchanges are increasingly used to expand access to international education. This study explored how Japanese students experienced intercultural learning and identity development within a virtual exchange programme conducted at a Finnish university. Using the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale as an analytical lens, qualitative data were drawn from semistructured interviews with programme participants to investigate how virtual, multicultural environments shape students' intercultural sensitivity and identity formation. The findings revealed that challenges related to interaction engagement, attentiveness and confidence were exacerbated by language barriers, differing communication norms, and the limitations of online learning environments. These factors significantly influence students' capacity for meaningful intercultural engagement and identity exploration. Moreover, respectful and inclusive peer interactions, scaffolded group work and play-based activities were found to enhance students' enjoyment, confidence and self-awareness. As a result, intercultural sensitivity emerged as a key condition shaping identity formation, which underscores the importance of culturally responsive programme designs tailored for online learning spaces that foster inclusion and personal transformation.
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  Data: EJ1495311
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 19
        StartPage: 25
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Intercultural Communication
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Cultural Awareness
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Computer Mediated Communication
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Self Concept
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
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      – SubjectFull: Barriers
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Environment
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      – SubjectFull: Capacity Building
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      – SubjectFull: Western Civilization
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      – SubjectFull: Student Experience
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Universities
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: College Students
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      – SubjectFull: Global Approach
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      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Japan
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Finland
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    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Intercultural Sensitivity as a Pathway to Students' Cultural Competence and Identity Formation in Virtual Exchanges
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            NameFull: Andreas Rogler
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            NameFull: Lijuan Wang
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            NameFull: Kiyoko Uematsu-Ervasti
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