Cross-Cultural Training and Cultural Intelligence of Hospitality Students: A Case Study in Egypt and Spain.

Abstract

[eng] This study aims to evaluate the cultural intelligence (CQ) of students from hotel schools in Egypt and Spain. The study was conducted on a sample of first- and fourth-year students in hospitality education institutions in Egypt and Spain. Results indicate that: (a) Cross-Cultural Training (CCT) significantly influences students' CQ; (b) CQ varies across nationalities, across gender in Egypt and as students move throughout their degree course; (c) an internship abroad increases student CQ; (d) CQ can be improved by gaining experience through working or interacting with people from other cultures; (e) there are differences in CQ between both countries, especially in metacognitive and motivational terms, which are higher among Egyptians students; and (f) there are differences between both countries in terms of CCT, especially in the classroom and institutional support activities provided by institutions in both countries. Suggestions are provided to re-design the curricula of hospitality degrees.