Abstract:

Cross-cultural studies and intercultural communication have acquired new opportunities in the modern world. Digital education resources have become part and parcel of learning and teaching foreign languages and cultures.

The research is focused on the future of cross-cultural studies and intercultural communication in times of the lock down and restrictions imposed in the sphere of tourism (both at the national and international level) due to the pandemic. The number of international student contacts at the level of educational establishments has decreased by 2 times since the beginning of the year 2020.

This study provides the analysis of the challenges and perspectives of intercultural and international personal contacts and the so-called educational tourism on the basis of data provided by educators teaching foreign languages, intercultural communication and cross-cultural studies at the Moscow State Institute of International relations (MGIMO University), the Kosygin State University of Russia, MAI University. The deficiency of personal intercultural communication has been surmounted with the help of World Wide Web and modern e-platforms and educational facilities.

The study includes 2 questionnaires worked out for tutors and learners. The respondents have testified to two major competencies that are needed under present conditions: analytical thinking (reasoning) and digital literacy. The first one, analytical thinking is essential for processing an influx of information on the Internet which provides great opportunities for cross-cultural studies and intercultural communication: authentic languages, native speakers, video guided tours to museums and sights all over the world, etc. Students are to learn how to select the relevant sources of information and apply it in their projects on cross-cultural studies. The study has demonstrated an increase (by 20%) of the number of students who wish to explore their own country and take part in intercultural projects.

On the other hand, tutors and students still need a lot of practice how to employ the telecommunicative facilities and work efficiently in e-environment. Most part of the respondents agree that their level of digital literacy requires up-grading. Of course, it requires time and effort.

The study has testified to the advantages that international on-line conferences offer for networking specialists and experts, namely, in the sphere of education, language teaching, cross-cultural studies. The significance of such events held with the use of appropriate IT technologies and e-platforms has been highlighted by 99 percent of the respondents. Thanks to the e-learning and teaching facilities modern students like other people have an opportunity to explore the globe even under lockdown without leaving home.

Thus, the research has proved the topicality and relevance of cross-cultural studies and intercultural communication at present. The conclusions may help educators and specialists work out on-line educational programmes, courses, webinars and other projects in this sphere in order to promote collaboration between experts and professionals as well as expansion of intercultural communication even under the restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Keywords:

e-learning environment, teaching foreign languages and cultures, cross-cultural studies.