Abstract
Developing students’ ability to communicate effectively in a second language requires familiarizing them the target culture. An intercultural speaker can understand the relationships between various cultures, including their cultural practices. However, while learning English requires awareness of cultural perspectives to avoid stereotypes, it is common among language teachers to focus more on language than on culture. In this context, first-semester students from a public university often hold stereotypes about cultural practices and have few opportunities in educational settings to reflect on other cultural values, attitudes, and beliefs. Consequently, this study explored how the IMAGE model helped students challenge their stereotypes while developing their interpreting and relating skills. Results showed changes in students’ negative attitudes towards foreign cultures and improvements in their ability to relate to and interpret cultural practices.
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