Global Competence Development in STEM Exchange Programs

This research article examines the development of global competence among students participating in a three-year Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) exchange program between institutions in Norway and the United States. The study utilizes the OECD framework of global competence to analyze how students articulate their experiences and reflect their cultural competency. Through a qualitative photovoice methodology, participants captured their exchange experiences, revealing key themes across four dimensions of global competence. The findings highlight three main themes: Awareness of Global Challenges & Advocacy for Sustainability, Building Empathy Through Shared Experiences, and Navigating Cultural and Academic Differences. The results suggest that immersive learning environments significantly enhance students' intercultural competence beyond traditional coursework. The study advocates for the integration of social engagement and problem-based learning in higher education to better prepare students for complex global challenges, emphasizing the importance of institutional support in maximizing the impact of exchange programs.