Intervention Effects of an Intercultural Exchange Program Using Verbal Interaction and Nonverbal Games

A Practical Study of International and Japanese University Students

Abstract

The present study examined the effects of an intercultural exchange program combining verbal interaction and nonverbal games on university students' intercultural sensitivity. The participants were 18 university students, consisting of 10 Japanese students and 8 international students. Changes in intercultural sensitivity before and after the program were assessed using an intercultural sensitivity scale. The results suggested that the total intercultural sensitivity score increased significantly after the program, with a medium effect size (Cohen's dz = 0.74). Analysis of the subfactors indicated a relatively marked improvement in the factor related to ambivalent feelings toward other cultures, suggesting reduced anxiety and hesitation associated with intercultural contact. Separate analyses by group further showed increases in both the Japanese student group and the international student group. These findings suggest that an intercultural exchange program incorporating nonverbal activities may reduce dependence on language ability, facilitate interpersonal interaction, and contribute to the development of a more inclusive environment for intercultural exchange in higher education. However, given the small sample size and the absence of a control group, these findings should be regarded as preliminary and exploratory.