Open Access

Moritz Brüstle

• With the growing global interconnectedness of people in professional and social contexts, intercultural competence (IC) is a critical outcome for higher education graduates. However, meaningful methods to develop and assess this complex competence remain scarce, and surveys indicate that graduates’ IC is often insufficient for the labour market. This study develops a framework and model of ICWith the growing global interconnectedness of people in professional and social contexts, intercultural competence (IC) is a critical outcome for higher education graduates. However, meaningful methods to develop and assess this complex competence remain scarce, and surveys indicate that graduates’ IC is often insufficient for the labour market. This study develops a framework and model of IC based on narrative interviews with German higher education students undertaking a semester abroad. The inductive approach to model building is unique and results in a comprehensive framework of IC, which is subsequently applied to assess competence development in a sample of 22 students using a mixed-methods, longitudinal design. The findings reveal an alternative clustering of IC components that extends beyond the traditional triad of knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Both quantitative and qualitative data indicate a statistically significant, positive development of IC over the course of studying abroad. However, triangulation of the two data strands exposed notable inconsistencies, highlighting the limitations of each approach. Based on these insights, actionable recommendations are proposed to enhance the assessment of IC in educational practice and advance research on IC models and approaches.…