Intercultural communication is essential in today's globalized world, especially in agriculture, where collaboration across diverse cultural backgrounds is vital. Documentaries offer real-world experiences and complex cultural narratives and are powerful resources for exploring cultural diversity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of documentary-based assignments in enhancing students' learning. The study aimed to (1) explore students' expectations toward using documentaries and (2) examine their perspectives on the impact of such assignments on intercultural competency. An explanatory mixed-methods approach was employed with 30 students who watched Living on One Dollar. Pre- and post-surveys, consisting of 15 items on a 5-point Likert scale, measured changes in students' perceptions of cultural awareness and sensitivity to cultural nuances. Qualitative data were gathered through pre- and post-reflections to identify thematic shifts in students' understanding and empathy regarding poverty and cultural differences. For objective 1 the pre-and post-surveys revealed significant increases in students’ agreement with recommending similar assignments, satisfaction with cultural exploration depth, and enjoyment of the assignment. No significant changes were observed regarding preference for alternative assessment methods. Qualitative themes from pre-reflection included empathy, perspective, and concerns about health and well-being in poverty. Post-reflection revealed a deeper understanding of poverty’s complexities and reflections on personal privilege. Objective 2 showed a significant increase in students’ motivation to explore cultural elements beyond the documentary's explicit content. However, no significant changes were found in applying intercultural skills to real-world contexts or critically evaluating cultural portrayals in films. Post-reflection themes included improved communication skills, a desire for advocacy, and applying learned skills in future careers.

In conclusion, documentary-based assignments enhance intercultural awareness, empathy, and critical thinking. They promote deeper cultural understanding, though additional methods may be needed for real-world application. These insights are especially relevant for educational programs seeking to build global competencies in students.