IEAA Intercultural Competence Masterclass Program

The program introduces key elements of intercultural competence — including concepts of culture, cultural self-awareness, value dimensions, communication styles, teaching and learning across cultures — and equips participants with practical activities and techniques that can be applied immediately in diverse professional environments.

Program

Session 1 – Foundations

Explore what intercultural competence means for international education professionals. Examine the concept of culture, unpack the layers of cultural identity, and begin building cultural self-awareness — understanding how your own background shapes the way you see and work with others.Session 2 – Value DimensionsExamine how values and beliefs differ across cultures and shape behaviour in professional contexts. Explore key cultural dimensions and develop the ability to recognise and work with diverse worldviews — moving from assumption to understanding.Session 3 – Communication & TeachingDevelop practical skills for communicating across cultural difference. Explore intercultural communication styles and what they mean for teaching, advising, and working in diverse educational environments.Session 4 – Navigating & ActingBuild capability to navigate conflict and complexity in intercultural situations. Practise concrete techniques to suspend judgement, bridge difference, and commit to purposeful action in your professional role.Audience

The workshop is targeted at professional and academic staff working across a broad range of roles in international education, including:

• Management
• Student services
• Teaching and learning
• Marketing and recruitment
• Learning abroad and exchange

Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Define intercultural competence and its relevance to their role
• Identify and apply key skills, knowledge, and attitudes for intercultural practice
• Describe the layers of culture and how values shape professional behaviour
• Recognise and adapt to a variety of communication styles across cultures
• Build capability to enhance the international student experience
• Apply techniques to suspend judgement and navigate intercultural situations