BARRIERS IN FIELD RESEARCH AND THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL  COMPETENCE FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS IN VIETNAMESE UNIVERSITIES

Luong Minh Phuong

Luong Minh Phuong	lm.phuong@vju.ac.vn	Vietnam Japan University Vietnam National University, Hanoi Luu Huu Phuoc street, Nam Tu Liem district, Hanoi, Vietnam

Summary:

In the context of increasing international academic collaboration, field research has become a vital experience that supports students’ academic growth and intercultural understanding. This qualitative study explores the barriers encountered by 20 students and 8 faculty members participating in four field research exchange programs conducted between two Vietnamese universities and their counterparts in Sweden, Ireland, Germany, and Japan. The findings indicate that students commonly face two main types of barriers: 1) insufficient intercultural knowledge and competences, and 2) language and communication challenges. Building on these findings, the paper emphasizes the importance of developing students’ cultural competence as a key factor in overcoming such obstacles and enhancing the impact of international learning and research experiences. It recommends integrating cultural competence training as a foundational component in the design of academic exchange programs in Vietnam, with the aim of strengthening educational partnerships and promoting the internationalization of higher education.

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Keywords:

Field research barriers

cultural competence

field research

internationalization

higher education.

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Journal:

S1

VIETNAM JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

THE VIETNAM NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

BARRIERS IN FIELD RESEARCH AND THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL COMPETENCE FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS IN VIETNAMESE UNIVERSITIES