Intercultural Communication at UWSP RUNNING HEAD: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION AT UWSP Intercultural Communication at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: Factors Influencing Domestic Students’ Willingness to Communicate with International Students

Abstract

This thesis involved the surveying of domestic students ’ attitudes and perceptions of intercultural communication toward international students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point through the use of qualitative and quantitative methods. The results offer support which matches previous studies conducted relative to intercultural communication using the measurements of Ethnocentrism and Intercultural Willingness to Communicate. The findings also suggest Intercultural Experience Exposure correlates positively to the independent measures of Intercultural Willingness to Communicate. Qualitative analysis revealed several factors the respondents felt was pleasant intercultural communication: commonalities; practicing foreign language; learning about culture; and in-class assignments. Qualitative analysis also revealed aspects respondents felt were uncomfortable intercultural communication were: lack of commonalities; language barrier/accents; and in-group/out-group. Further revealed, was what respondents felt encouraged intercultural communication were: university organizations; diversity; and personal interest. Finally, analysis revealed the issues that respondents felt discouraged intercultural communication on UWSP campus: lack of diversity; in-group/outgroup