Title:
A Comparative Assessment of Global Perspectives in Moroccan EFL Higher Education: Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Authors:
Lahcen Ousiali, Dr.Hamid Housni, Morocco

Abstract:

Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) has become indispensable for university students in today’s increasingly globalized world. Beyond mere language proficiency, ICC encompasses the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across cultural boundaries. This study is an empirical attempt to assess Moroccan EFL university students’ intercultural communicative competence and to systematically investigate their strengths and areas of deficiency. 

It employs a cross-sectional design using the Global Perspective Inventory as a primary quantitative data collection tool. The sample comprises students from five Moroccan universities, with varying participation rates across groups. Specifically, 372 BA (S6) and MA students completed the GPI by (Braskamp et al., 2013). Descriptive analysis was used to determine students’ ICC levels, followed by inferential analysis to compare the two groups and identify areas of convergence and divergence in their intercultural skills. The results indicate that Moroccan university students possess a fairly average level of ICC. A significant gap between BA and MA demonstrates the strong impact of academic level on the growth of intercultural communicative skills. The study outlines several implications for students, educators, and curriculum designers. It also proposes valuable recommendations to strengthen ICC among Moroccan EFL university students and to help them thrive in the national and global job market.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijaemr.2025.1212