ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING AND INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE IN TOURISM EDUCATION: PESRPECTIVES OF UZBEK UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ON INDONESIA
Abstract
This study investigates how English language learning shapes the intercultural communication competence of undergraduate students enrolled in English and Tourism programs at Chirchik State Pedagogical University in Uzbekistan. Drawing on semi-structured interview data collected from twenty participants, the research explores students’ attitudes towards foreign cultures – with a particular focus on Indonesia their skills in cross-cultural discovery and interpretation and their awareness of cultural stereotypes. Qualitative thematic analysis reveals that English functions as a primary gateway through which students access cultural information, form international friendships by social media and develop a willingness to challenge cultural biases. Participants demonstrate a general openness towards Indonesian culture, noting shared Islamic values and an appreciation for cultural diversity, while acknowledging significant gaps in vocabulary, cultural knowledge and direct interaction with Indonesians. The fingdings point to the need for curricula that integrate authentic intercultural materials, role-play simulations and exchange programs. The article concludes with practical recommendations for enhancing intercultural communication instruction within Ubek higher education and argues that strengthening the Uzbekistan – Indonesia bilateral relationships in education and tourism could benefit both nations.
Keywords
intercultural communication, English language learning, tourism education, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, cross-cultural awareness.How to Cite
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Copyright (c) 2026 Feruza Komiljanovna Kurbanova, Ahmad Bukhori Muslim
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
