Development of intercultural competence in training information technology specialists

Abstract

Introduction. Society demand for IT specialists who can work in teams through their mastery of cross-functional skills underscores the relevance of the study. Engineers with intercultural communication skills adapt flexibly to changes in a multicultural environment. Goal. The study aims to examine ways to develop intercultural communication skills in future IT professionals through the study of a foreign language. Materials and methods. This study analyzed and summarized sources on the development of intercultural competence in future professionals, fostering them to understand the importance of studying the Foreign Language course as part of their professional training. To assess the level of intercultural competence, the following models were used: the self-diagnosis method, the Intercultural Sensitivity Inventory (ICSI), the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) questionnaires, and the Behavioral Assessment Scale for Intercultural Competence (BASIC) model. The hypothesis is that professionals with intercultural communication skills will work effectively in cross-functional teams and change different projects and roles. Results and discussion. The authors substantiate the effectiveness of developing intercultural competence in IT specialists to-be when studying the humanities. The importance of studying the Foreign language course in the framework of professional training of specialists in the field of information technology is described. The analysis of the empirical data is presented: the results of experiential learning on completion of Foreign Language course by second-year students in the Bachelor program 27.03.04 Management in Technical Systems of Sevastopol State University , analyzed statistical data from the practical implementation of methods for assessing respondents’ levels of intercultural communication skills. Conclusion. The authors emphasize that intercultural communication skills ensure flexibility and mobility of a technical specialist in a multicultural environment.