EXPLORING PERCEPTIONS OF ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION THROUGH INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT AMONG FRENCH-SPEAKING MEDICAL STUDENTS
EXPLORING PERCEPTIONS OF ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION THROUGH INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT AMONG FRENCH-SPEAKING MEDICAL STUDENTS

Summary/Abstract: Exploring Perceptions of Academic and Social Integration through Intercultural Competence Development among French-speaking Medical Students. This study investigates the social and academic integration of international French-speaking students at “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Cluj-Napoca, focusing on the development of intercultural competence IC) through a variety of activities. Drawing on theories of intercultural competence, the study examines the role of university services, cultural activities, and socialization in fostering integration. The study applies surveys to assess pre-arrival and during stay perceptions, exploring the influence of these perceptions on social and academic integration. Through a qualitative survey and post-coding analysis, the research explores how advertising posters activities for Romanian as a Second Language classes reflect and shape students’ perceptions of the city and university. Findings suggest that while academic integration is relatively successful, social integration and the development of IC remain challenging. Posters primarily emphasize cultural and social aspects but often fail to reflect the reality of students’ experiences. Survey results reveal that while there is a desire for socialization and integration, opportunities for meaningful interaction with domestic students are limited. The research concludes that enhancing IC requires more targeted approaches in both academic and social contexts, with a call for greater collaboration between academic staff and student services to create opportunities for deeper intercultural engagement and integration.

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