Intercultural Preparation in Higher Education

Intercultural Preparation in Higher Education critically examines the complexities of intercultural preparation, challenging reductionist, competence-based approaches and emphasising critical reflection, linguistic sensitivity and intersectional perspectives, which offer transformative insight.

This concise yet comprehensive book draws on the author's extensive experience in preparing students and educators for diversity and intercultural engagement within Chinese and Finnish higher education – two distinct yet interconnected settings. Chen advocates for reflexive, context-sensitive frameworks that address power dynamics, ideological influences and epistemic inequalities shaping intercultural encounters. Synthesising global and Chinese research, the author deconstructs interculturality as an ideological construct and proposes expanding it to encompass diverse diversities. Through case studies of Chinese Minzu education, Finnish teacher training and China's mental health and well-being education, the author explores how to equip educators and students for glocalised (global + local) realities. The book argues that mental health education in China, for instance, can redefine interculturality beyond 'international' or 'ethnic' binaries. By interrogating dominant paradigms and proposing equitable alternatives, the author advances a balanced and inclusive vision of preparation for all in higher education and beyond.

The title is designed for educators, researchers, students and practitioners interested in intercultural studies, higher education, as well as internationalisation and globalisation.