Abstract:
This study aims at investigating the intercultural communication competencies of the officers and students at Mahidol University. Also, this study aims to explore the obstacles and solutions in terms of intercultural communication. The participants were the five officers who are in charge of the social engagement operation and the ten students who participated in the social engagement operation. The participant observation and in-depth interview were employed in this study. The results revealed that intercultural communication competence and obstacles between the two groups were significantly different due to their diverse cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, the results showed that the participants could overcome their obstacles when they have at least three intercultural communication competencies. This study found that the participants' cultural learning process is deficient when they lack those three intercultural communication competencies, especially cultural awareness. Consequently, intercultural communication competence is vital for the officers and students in terms of collaboration because it affects the operating relationship. Being aware of cultural differences could promote them to overcome their intercultural communication obstacles, support their operation to be more proficient, and complete their working plans effectively.