Résumé:
The present study aims at exploring the role of International Educational Scholarship in
fostering the intercultural competence of teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) at the
department of Letters and English Language in the University of 8 Mai 1945- Guelma, Algeria.
It focuses on EFL teacher's perceptions and attitudes toward intercultural exchange, the
challenges faced in foreign countries with foreign cultures, and the effectiveness of the
international scholarships in the teaching experience. The research adopts a qualitative
exploratory method. A semi-structured interview is conducted with eight (08) EFL teachers
from the department of Letters and English Language who have experienced International
Educational Scholarships. The analysis of the results demonstrates that EFL teachers have
positive attitudes towards studying abroad regardless of the various challenges they faced in the
host country. Furthermore, the scholarship experience has developed EFL teachers’intercultural
competence, increased the sense of empathy and tolerance towards other cultures, and enhanced
their intercultural understanding and cultural exchange, which in return, highly effected their
personal and professional growth.
