The Intercultural Workshop series combines intercultural competency and skills development workshops with sessions discussing the unique practices, customs, and values of some of the largest international student populations on our campus.
Each session helps UMN staff members gain greater cultural self-awareness, an understanding of the contributions of international students, and communication skills to improve interactions and relationships with international students, staff, and faculty.
Participants must register for each session they wish to attend.
Email [email protected] with any questions.
Understanding Cultural Value Differences
February 9, 2023
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
When interacting with those from around the world, an understanding of the relevant values of all participants will help to create positive connections. While it may be easy to adapt to obvious differences in eye contact or handshakes, it is more difficult to take actionable steps to address more hidden value differences, such as hierarchy or independence. Participating in this experiential workshop will allow you to identify problems or opportunities that stem from cultural value differences. As a result of this identification, you will be able to effectively connect with students and colleagues from different cultural backgrounds.
To expand on what you learn in this session, consider registering for Bridging Cultural Value Differences.
Story Circles: The Art of Deep Listening
March 2, 2023
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
This UNESCO developed interactive activity provides the opportunity to improve our ability to respect others’ lived experiences and truths through listening for understanding. It highlights how we show respect, gain self and other awareness, create empathy, build relationships through emotional connection, develop greater cultural humility, and increase our overall intercultural competence.
Bridging Cultural Value Differences
March 7, 2023
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
When interacting with those from around the world, an understanding of the relevant values of all participants will help to create positive connections. While it may be easy to adapt to obvious differences in eye contact or handshakes, it is more difficult to take actionable steps to address more hidden value differences, such as hierarchy or independence. Participating in this experiential workshop will allow you to identify problems or opportunities that stem from cultural value differences. As a result of this identification, you will be able to effectively connect with students and colleagues from different cultural backgrounds.
In this session, which complements the Understanding Cultural Value Differences session, we will explore specific value differences from scholars such as Hofstede, Meyers, Livermore, and Gelfand. We will be discussing specific approaches to bridging these differences.
Communicating with International Students
March 22, 2023
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
When attempting to navigate new systems at the University of Minnesota, international students can be confused by the U.S. American approach to conversations, instructions, and explanations. Likewise, staff and faculty often wish they understood the cultural expectations and communication styles of international students, as well as had stronger skills in listening to accented English. This interactive workshop will be your opportunity to share, learn, and practice actionable approaches to communicating and connecting with international students, staff, and faculty (including those who are working in their second, or even third or fourth, language).
