Foundations of Intercultural Competency

Develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to operate in a multicultural world.

This course is designed as an introduction to the core features and practice of intercultural competency. Participants will explore various aspects of culture and examine how these influence interactions across various contexts. The course aims to build foundational knowledge, skills, and awareness in intercultural competency and is suitable for anyone wanting to develop capabilities in diversity and inclusion as well as upskill themselves for living and working in multicultural contexts. Delivered as a 3-hour online synchronous session, the course combines theory with application to create an engaging learning environment using a mix of lectures, small group discussions, and interactive activities. For those wanting a more in-depth learning experience, this course can be coupled with Mastering Intercultural Competency, which builds off of the content in a subsequent 3-hour online session.

• Explore the concept of culture, its various dimensions, and how it shapes identity, behaviour, and communication.
• Reflect on their own cultural backgrounds as well critically assess cultural values and their applications at the personal, organisational and national level.
• Learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and how to adapt these across contexts for the best outcomes.
• Engage with case studies in order to apply intercultural principles to real-world situations.
• Define key concepts of culture and explore its impact on behaviour and communication.
• Understand the importance of cultural awareness, cultural humility, and intercultural sensitivity in diverse work/life settings.
• Reflect on and analyse one’s own cultural values, background, biases, and assumptions.
• Assess real-world scenarios to determine appropriate intercultural responses.