The Role of Intercultural Competence on Graduate Supervisor-Supervisee Relationship and Well-being

ABSTRACT: In light of the increasing trend toward internationalization, developing intercultural competence (ICC) in graduate supervisors and supervisees by providing professional learning opportunities has become progressively more important in higher education institutions. ICC improves the supervisor-supervisee relationship, which, in turn, contributes to individual and collective well-being. We begin this article by reviewing the definitions of ICC. Based on our document analysis of graduate supervision handbooks in Canadian research-intensive universities, we present the current availability of professional learning opportunities for graduate supervisors and supervisees to develop their ICC. We also report on the thematic analysis of our written self-reflections on the role of ICC in supervisor-supervisee relationship and well-being. We conclude the article by making recommendations for a range of professional learning opportunities.