Developing intercultural competencies in Pharmacy study program at Vilnius University

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Abstract

One of the ways to introduce the internationalisation of the curriculum is to enhance intercultural competence. The internationalisation of studies is one of the strategic directions of Vilnius University that enables the intercultural dimension of the study programmes to be strengthened. Aim. The aim
was to prepare a pedagogical scenario and to design a theory-based and research-based course about intercultural aspects that should be part of the pharmacy programme. Method. Analysis of scientific literature and similar programmes and courses run by universities abroad was carried out. In the process of designing the course, discussions were held with academic staff on the content of the course. Students also provided feedback on the content of the course. Results. Only a few pharmacy programmes, mostly at universities in Australia and New Zealand, offer intercultural competences course as a separate and compulsory course for undergraduate students. Based on research findings, a course covering knowledge, awareness and ability was built on the framework
of cultural competencies. A variety of methods were used to achieve the learning objectives: lectures, cases and discussions, self-learning, role-playing, etc. The course, attended by 15 students, was piloted in May 2022. Sessions on professional ethics, minorities and diversity were held to deepen
knowledge. Diversity terminology and assignments visualising the students' cultural backgrounds were used to raise self-awareness. Feedback of students on the course was positive. Conclusion. The course was a success. The learning of the Pharmacy students was research-based, interactive and interdisciplinary. The development of generic competences was strengthened.

Deardorff D, Hones E. Intercultural Competence. An Emerging Focus in International Higher Education. The SAGE Handbook of International Higher Education. 1st ed. SAGE Publications, 2012.

Krishnan, Lata A.; Jin, Lan; Calahan, Charles A. Enhancing Intercultural Competence: Can it be done without Studying Abroad? Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences &Disorders: 2012
Original languageEnglish
Publication date2023
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 2023
EventUniversity of Bergen (UiB) læringskonferanse 2023 “Transformative Learning and Teaching”, Bergen, Norway. -
Duration: 25 Apr 202325 Apr 2023

Conference

ConferenceUniversity of Bergen (UiB) læringskonferanse 2023 “Transformative Learning and Teaching”, Bergen, Norway.
Period25/04/202325/04/2023

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