This research aims to identify and rank the problems which international students face during study in Belarus. The main method was descriptive research conceptualized within sojourner theory. Preliminary interviews followed by a survey (N=300) revealed that the sojourners’ problems were in the following order, from major to minor: (a) psychological and health-related challenges, primarily, homesickness and health disorders; (b) academic challenges, such as the new educational system and taking exams; (c) sociocultural challenges, especially communication with native speakers; (d) general living challenges. To prevent and solve these problems, the study provides experimentally based recommendations how to foster a supporting learning environment.

In the empirical study of intercultural exchange presented in this paper, we assessed Erasmus students for knowledge of English as a foreign language (EFL) and their level of reflective judgement, to test for correlation between the two variables. The basic theoretical framing was derived from King and Kitchener’s (1994) reflective judgment model (RJM), based on 3 different levels of reflectivity, connected to progressive cognitive development of adults: pre-reflective, quasireflective and reflective. The results of the study show that the students displayed high levels of reflective judgment and importantly, we found a correlation between their standard of English and their level of reflectivity. The ability to communicate in English is a prerequisite to participation in the Erasmus programme, therefore it was expected that the students would score well for English knowledge. However, the results of the study suggest that being competent in the use of English as a foreign language may be a predictor of higher reflectivity amongst students in higher education. This creates a controversial pedagogical implication suggesting that learning English as a foreign language to a high standard fuels reflectivity.

This qualitative study investigated a ten-day international field experience in Peru and its influence on undergraduate and graduate level teacher education students’ cultural competency. Data were collected on 8 participants through observations, focus groups, individual interviews, and course assignments. Participants reported positive personal and professional change in regards to cultural learning and intercultural understanding. They identified how the experience positively influenced their teaching and how they would apply their increased knowledge and understanding about cultural diversity in their classrooms and in interactions with children and parents.