ISSS Intercultural Workshop Series

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.

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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.

Learn more and register.

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.

Learn more and register.

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.

Learn more and register.

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).

Learn more and register.

Other UMN Trainings

Introduction to International Student Advising: International Students and the Impact of Immigration

February 16, 2023
10–11 a.m.

This workshop, focusing on graduate and professional international students, gives an overview of UMN's international student population, International Student and Scholar Services, and student visa requirements. 

ISSS's advisor training is intended for new or seasoned academic advisors, Graduate Program Coordinators, career counselors, and student services staff who work with international students.

Learn more and register.

Internationalizing the Curriculum and Campus

These interactive workshops address a range of topics to support student engagement in globally diverse classes and to deepen international, intercultural, and global learning for all students. 

See all the ICC workshops.

Last updated: January 17, 2023