Internationalization Competency Definitions

This is not an exhaustive list, but shows a range of competencies that have been discussed in internationalization literature to date.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of world geography, conditions, issues, and events.
• Awareness of the complexity and interdependency of world events and issues.
• Understanding of historical forces that have shaped the current world system.
• Knowledge of one's own culture and history.
• Knowledge of effective communication, including knowledge of a foreign language, intercultural communication concepts, and international business etiquette.
• Understanding of the diversity found in the world in terms of values, beliefs, ideas, and worldviews.

Attitudes

• Openess to learning and a positive orientation to new opportunities, ideas, and ways of thinking.
• Tolerance for ambiguity and unfamiliarity.
• Sensitivity and respect for personal and cultural differences.
• Empathy or the ability to take multiple perspectives.
• Self awareness and self-esteem about one's own identity and culture.

Skills

• Technical skills to enhance the ability of students to learn about the world (i.e., research skills).
• Critical and comparative thinking skills, including the ability to think creatively and integrate knowledge, rather than uncritical acceptance of knowledge.
• Communication skills, including the ability to use another language effectively and interact with people from other cultures.
• Coping and resiliency skills in unfamiliar and challenging situations.

Organization