International Journal of Research Studies in Education
Special Luminary Issue
2025
Volume 14 Issue 2
Available Online: 20 February 2025
Author/s:
Hoang Thi Ngoc, Hien
Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance, Vietnam (hienhtn@uef.edu.vn)
Ngo, Nguyen Thien Duyen*
Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance, Vietnam (duyennnt@uef.edu.vn)
Abstract:
Growing public awareness of quality education is largely driven by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education for all, including the cultivation of intercultural competence. Intercultural competence, which enables effective cross-cultural communication, is essential for promoting global citizenship and sustainable development. Because of the under exploration of research into the alignment of teaching intercultural competence in higher educational general English curricula and SDG4, this review paper aims to examine (1) the current practices of embedding intercultural competence in general English program curricula in higher education, both globally and in Vietnam, (2) the challenges and barriers to incorporating intercultural competence into these curricula to align with SDG4, and offer (3) implications for curriculum development by fostering intercultural competence for educational stakeholders. This paper is hoped to contribute to the enhancement of more effective English language programs that prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly interconnected world.
Keywords: intercultural competence, general English program curricula, sustainability development goal 4, SDG 4, current practices, future direction, higher education
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25812
Cite this article:
Hoang Thi Ngoc, H., & Ngo, N. T. D. (2025). Current practices and future directions in Sustainable Development Goal 4 through intercultural competence in general English program curricula. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(2), 111-122. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25812
* Corresponding Author