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Hanna Ragnarsdóttir, Fríða Bjarney Jónsdóttir, Ingebjørg Lundevall, Ylva Drage, Auður Stefánsdóttir, Greta Björk Gudmundsdottir, Iben Jensen, Minghui Gao, Anette Hellman, Kriselle Lou Suson Jónsdóttir, Frank Robert Lien, Fred Dervin, Samúel Lefever, Artëm Ingmar Benediktsson, Patrick Gruczkun, and Leeni Siikaniemi

Some of the challenges we are facing in the world today are related to the ongoing trends towards immigration and globalization of education and the labour market. Combined with increased numbers of refugees in many countries, this has led to greater interpersonal cross cultural encounters and heightened cultural concerns. All school levels are facing complex challenges in adjusting their services to an increasingly diverse student population, irrespective of their background. It is therefore of great importance that employees at all school levels are culturally competent and can understand and adapt their services when working with people with diverse cultural backgrounds.

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Some of the challenges we are facing in the world today are related to the ongoing trends towards immigration and globalization of education and the labour market. Combined with increased numbers of refugees in many countries, this has led to greater interpersonal cross cultural encounters and heightened cultural concerns. All school levels are facing complex challenges in adjusting their services to an increasingly diverse student population, irrespective of their background. It is therefore of great importance that employees at all school levels are culturally competent and can understand and adapt their services when working with people with diverse cultural backgrounds.

The aim of this course is to help the students develop intercultural competence by broadening their understanding of different cultures and different identities, as well as promoting students´ awareness of their own culture, learning from the experiences of international educators as well as professionals at the municipality level in the Nordic countries.

An added value is that the course is open to participants from different parts of the world, which creates a cross-cultural learning and teaching environment.

By the end of this course you should have learned practical intercultural skills and increased your understanding of intercultural competence; how to talk about and address intercultural opportunities and challenges, how to develop strategies to respond to diverse and hybrid identities in a fairer way, and how to promote social justice in education and respect for different languages, preventing conflicts and enhancing societal cohesion.

What you'll learn

  • The meaning of basic concepts like ethnocentrism, stereotypes and culture
  • The importance of self-awareness and curiosity as a way towards intercultural awareness
  • Awareness of the impact of negative generalisations
  • How to deal with contradictions when identities are constructed
  • How to become aware of your own influence on students’ identities, and to develop strategies to deal with identities in a fairer and more coherent way
  • The importance of promoting understanding through respect for intercultural dialogue and the value of different languages
  • How to increase students´ levels of participation in the classroom, building up a sense of belonging and community, as well as counteracting discrimination
  • How to draw lessons from success stories of immigrant students and school communities in different countries that have succeeded in developing learning contexts that are equitable and socially just

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The meaning of basic concepts like ethnocentrism, stereotypes and culture
  • The importance of self-awareness and curiosity as a way towards intercultural awareness
  • Awareness of the impact of negative generalisations
  • How to deal with contradictions when identities are constructed
  • How to become aware of your own influence on students’ identities, and to develop strategies to deal with identities in a fairer and more coherent way
  • The importance of promoting understanding through respect for intercultural dialogue and the value of different languages
  • How to increase students´ levels of participation in the classroom, building up a sense of belonging and community, as well as counteracting discrimination
  • How to draw lessons from success stories of immigrant students and school communities in different countries that have succeeded in developing learning contexts that are equitable and socially just

Syllabus

Module 1 : Intercultural Competence -Self Reflection - the aim of this module is to:
present a basic pedagogical model on how to understand intercultural competence
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reflect on the importance of self-awareness and curiosity as a way towards intercultural awareness
introduce and discuss the concepts ethnocentrism, stereotypes and culture
Module 2 : Hybrid Identities - the aim of this module is to:
help educators problematize the complex issues of identities
support them in dealing with contradictions when identities are constructed
become aware of their own influence on students’ identities, and
develop strategies to deal with identities in a fairer and more coherent way
Module 3 : Social Justice - the aim of this module is to:
learn about the basic concepts of social justice and inclusion in schools
learn how to increase students’ level of participation in the classroom, building up a sense of belonging and community, as well as counteracting discrimination
draw lessons from success stories of immigrant students and school communities in different countries that have succeeded in developing learning contexts that are equitable and socially just
Module 4 : Communication and Language - The aim of this module is to:
learn about the importance of promoting understanding through respect for intercultural dialogue and the value of different languages
learn how to promote multilingualism as a tool for extending social justice and inclusion
learn how to build on students´ multiple languages in school settings
learn to create conditions on all levels of education where students´ languages are welcome and respected

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops intercultural competence, which is critical for working with diverse populations in education and other fields
Taught by 18 instructors from 9 different institutions in 6 countries, who are experts in intercultural education
Builds awareness of the impact of negative generalizations, which is essential for promoting social justice and inclusion
Provides strategies for addressing diverse and hybrid identities, which is increasingly important in today's globalized world
Examines the importance of respecting different languages and promoting multilingualism as a tool for social justice and inclusion
Designed for educators at all school levels, who are responsible for fostering intercultural competence in their students

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intercultural Competency in Education with these activities:
Practice mindfulness meditation
Cultivate a regular practice of mindfulness to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance your overall well-being.
Show steps
  • Find a quiet place to sit or lie down.
  • Close your eyes and focus on your breath.
  • Notice the sensations of your breath as it enters and leaves your body.
  • When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath.
Volunteer at a local charity
Give back to your community and develop valuable skills by volunteering at a local charity or non-profit organization.
Show steps
  • Research and find a local charity or non-profit organization that aligns with your interests.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Complete the necessary training and background checks.
  • Show up on time for your volunteer shifts and be prepared to work hard.
Create a budget for your personal or business expenses
Develop a comprehensive plan for managing your finances by creating a detailed budget that tracks your income, expenses, and savings.
Show steps
  • Gather your financial records, including bank statements, credit card statements, and pay stubs.
  • List all of your income sources and expenses.
  • Categorize your expenses into fixed and variable expenses.
  • Set financial goals and allocate funds accordingly.
  • Review your budget regularly and make adjustments as needed.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Attend a financial literacy workshop
Develop a solid foundation in financial management by attending a workshop that covers budgeting, investing, and other essential topics.
Show steps
  • Research and find a financial literacy workshop in your area or online.
  • Register for the workshop and make sure to attend all sessions.
  • Participate actively in the workshop and take notes on the key concepts.
  • After the workshop, implement the strategies you learned to improve your financial well-being.
Read 'Out of Our Minds: The Power of Being Creative'
Learn about the importance of creativity, productivity, and finding your purpose in your work and life outside of the classroom.
Show steps
  • Read the book in its entirety.
Learn a new language with Duolingo
Expand your horizons and improve your cognitive abilities by learning a new language through the user-friendly Duolingo platform.
Show steps
  • Create a Duolingo account and choose a language to learn.
  • Follow the interactive lessons and complete the exercises.
  • Set a daily goal for how many lessons you want to complete.
  • Stay consistent with your practice and track your progress.
Meet with a career counselor
Enhance your career prospects by meeting with a career counselor to discuss your goals, explore career opportunities, and develop a plan for success.
Show steps
  • Make an appointment with a career counselor at your school or community center.
  • Prepare for your meeting by gathering your resume, transcripts, and any other relevant materials.
  • During the meeting, discuss your career goals, interests, and skills.
  • Ask the counselor for advice on how to achieve your career goals.
Create a vision board
Visualize and bring your goals to life by creating a physical or digital vision board that represents your aspirations.
Show steps
  • Gather images, quotes, and other inspirational materials that represent your goals, values, and dreams.
  • Arrange the materials on a poster board, digital canvas, or other display.
  • Take some time to reflect on your vision board and identify the steps you need to take to achieve your goals.
Start a gratitude journal
Cultivate a daily habit of mindfulness and positivity by using a gratitude journal to reflect on the good in your life.
Show steps
  • Choose a notebook or digital journal to use as your gratitude journal.
  • Set aside a few minutes each day to write in your gratitude journal.
  • Reflect on the day and identify at least three things you are grateful for.
  • Write down your thoughts and feelings about each of the things you are grateful for.
  • Optional: Share your gratitude journal with a friend or family member.

Career center

Learners who complete Intercultural Competency in Education will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cross-Cultural Trainer
This course will help build the skills to teach others about cultural awareness, diversity, and inclusion. The course emphasizes practical skills for creating equitable and inclusive learning environments, which can be applied directly to cross-cultural training.
Multicultural Curriculum Developer
This course will provide you with the theoretical grounding and practical skills needed to develop and implement culturally responsive curricula that meet the needs of diverse student populations.
International Development Specialist
This course can provide you with a solid understanding of intercultural competence, which is essential for working in international development. You will learn how to interact with people from different cultures and collaborate effectively to address complex global challenges.
Global Studies Teacher
This course will help you teach a more diverse range of students, as you will gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and identities, as well as learn practical skills for fostering intercultural awareness.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
This course will be of value to you as a Diversity and Inclusion Manager as it will increase your understanding of intercultural competence and how it can be fostered within an organization. The course will help you develop stratégies for engaging different cultures in the workplace.
Academic Advisor
Completing this course will help build a foundation to understand the challenges students face when working across cultures. This will be especially helpful in advising students who are struggling with issues involving culture.
School Administrator
This course will provide you with valuable knowledge and skills for fostering intercultural competence in educational settings. You will learn how to create an inclusive school culture, develop effective policies, and support the needs of diverse student populations.
Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
You will find this course helpful in improving your skills in working with immigrant and refugee students. The course will help you build strategies for teaching students from diverse backgrounds and creating a culturally responsive classroom.
Peace Corps Volunteer
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will benefit from this course's focus on developing intercultural competence. It will provide you with the tools and skills to build strong relationships and work effectively with people from different backgrounds in your host country.
Language Arts Teacher
This course will support you in creating inclusive and responsive language arts instruction across cultures and ethnicities. You will learn strategies to help all students develop their language skills and cultural awareness.
Admissions Counselor
This course will familiarize you with the challenges faced by students from diverse cultural backgrounds. The course will help develop concrete strategies for addressing cross-cultural issues, increasing your impact as an admissions counselor working with a multicultural student body.
Social Worker
This course will help you develop the skills needed to work with diverse populations and understand the impact of culture on an individual's well-being. This course is especially helpful for working with immigrant and refugee communities.
ESL Teacher
You will find this course helpful in improving your skills in working with immigrant and refugee students. The course will help you build strategies for teaching students from diverse backgrounds and creating a culturally responsive classroom.
Human Resources Manager
This course will provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by a multicultural workforce.  It can help you develop better policies and practices for creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
Educational Consultant
This course can help equip you with the skills needed to work with a variety of educational institutions, especially those struggling with creating inclusive environments for multicultural communities.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intercultural Competency in Education.
Handbook that provides a comprehensive overview of the field of intercultural communication. It valuable resource for students and scholars who want to learn more about how to communicate effectively across cultures.
Comprehensive handbook on intercultural competence. It provides a detailed overview of the topic and valuable resource for students, educators, and professionals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of language and intercultural communication. It valuable resource for students and scholars who want to learn more about how language and culture interact.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of language and migration. It valuable resource for students and scholars who want to learn more about how language and migration interact.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of language and intercultural communication. It valuable resource for students and scholars who want to learn more about how language and culture interact.
Reader that provides a variety of perspectives on intercultural communication. It valuable resource for students and scholars who want to learn more about how to communicate effectively across cultures.
Provides a comprehensive overview of multicultural education. It valuable resource for students and educators who want to learn more about how to create inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students.
Provides a critical introduction to the field of intercultural communication. It valuable resource for students and scholars who want to learn more about how to communicate effectively across cultures.
This scholarly and research-based book that reviews the literature on intercultural competence and education. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic and valuable resource for students and educators alike.
Provides a practical guide for educators on how to understand and address cultural complexities in the classroom. It offers strategies for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students.
Provides a framework for teaching for diversity and social justice. It offers strategies for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students.
Provides a framework for understanding the cultural dimensions of global business. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about how culture affects business practices.
Provides a practical guide to developing cultural intelligence, which is the ability to effectively interact with people from different cultures. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to succeed in a globalized world.

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