Comparative analysis of the concepts of “intercultural competence” and “intercultural competence”

The article substantiates the relevance of research related to the search for ways to form intercultural competence at different levels of education. The differences between the concepts of “competence” and “competency” are shown, the essence and structure of each phenomenon are determined. The article presents the result of the analysis of works devoted to the consideration of the concepts of “intercultural competence”, “communicative competence”, “intercultural competency”, and highlights the key components of each of these individual qualities. Working definitions for the concepts of “intercultural competence” and “intercultural competency” are formulated. A conclusion is made about the importance of solving the research problem related to the formulation of working definitions of its basic concepts, ensuring the transition to the stage of building a system of work on the formation of intercultural competence of students in universities in China.