Intercultural Sensitivity Among University Students in India

Abstract

Millions of Indian students’ study at universities each year. Indian universities are diversified with students from different states and cultures. Students from different cultures communicate and interact often. However, pupils often lack intercultural awareness. The research employed Chen and Starosta's (2000) “Intercultural Sensitivity Scale” to examine Pondicherry University postgraduate students’ intercultural sensitivity. The research randomly selected 100 students from different states. No significant variations was found in intercultural sensitivity by gender, states, schedule tribes and non-schedule tribe students, Northeast students and non-Northeast students, or the subject stream. However, the study found a significant difference in intercultural sensitivity between university campus residents (hostels) and non-residents. Finally, students’ discipline had a significant influence at the multivariate level but not at the bivariate level. Residential status moderates the relationship between the subject stream and intercultural sensitivity.