EFL STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE IMPACT OF VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCES ON THEIR INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ly Thi Minh Trang

Abstract


Intercultural communication focuses on the exchange of information among various cultures and social groups, encompassing individuals with diverse religious, social, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. This research article explores the impact of volunteer work experience on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ intercultural communication skills at a university in Vietnam. The study aims to understand how engaging in volunteer activities enhances students' ability to interact effectively across cultures, thereby contributing to their overall language proficiency and cultural awareness. The quantitative method was conducted through experimental convention and questionnaires with the participation of students majoring in English at a university in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Data was collected through surveys involving 65 EFL students who participated in various volunteer programs and activities. The findings indicate that volunteer work experiences significantly help students boost their intercultural communication skills, fostering greater empathy, adaptability, and confidence in interpersonal communication in general.

 

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intercultural communication, volunteer work, EFL students, interpersonal communication

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejfl.v9i2.5989

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