IRISH COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING PROGRAMMES

“Have you ever wondered why some international students don’t make eye contact with you?”

“Why does a seemingly simple group-work task with a culturally mixed group of students runs into unexpected difficulties?”

ICOS' training programmes are aimed at increasing intercultural awareness and competency for those who work with or teach international students. They have been specifically developed to meet the needs of those who work in the higher education sector.

ICOS has recently developed a cross-cultural training DVD ‘Diverse Voices: Listening to International Students’. For a short clip: http://vimeo.com/71323288

An Introduction to Intercultural Awareness and Communication: Skills for working with International Students* (Middle East Focus)

Date: Wednesday, 22nd October (afternoon 2.15 – 5.00pm)

Venue: Dundalk Institute of Technology

Trainer: Louise Staunton, ICOS

Course Outline

1.45pm – 2.15pm Introductory Contribution: DkIT Engineering Lecturer, Mr. Tony Murray shares his international experience of Teaching in the Middle East.

ICOS Facilitator (Ms. Louise Staunton)

2.15pm – 2.30pm Introductions, outline of aims and objectives

2.30pm – 3.45pm Examining Culture

The main areas of cultural difference are introduced. Stereotypes, perceptions and cultural frames of reference will be explored. The session will provide participants with a language to discuss “culture” and “cultural difference”.

3.45pm – 4.30pm Cultural values and communication

This session will look at cultural values and their impact on communication styles. ‘Critical incidents’ will be used during this session to uncover and analyse the cultural components of various incidents in which cross-cultural communication misunderstandings have occurred. There will be a particular focus on culture and practice in Saudi Arabia.

4.30pm – 4.50pm “Critical Incidents”

Groups will present their findings from the “critical incidents”.

4.50pm – 5.00 pm Summary, Debrief & Evaluation

*This course is suitable for all staff working with international students