Exploring the Role of International Educational Scholarships in Fostering EFL Teachers Intercultural Competence

Abstract

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.