We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Introduction to Intercultural Studies

Intercultural Contact

Haynes Collins, Christina Copperthwaite, Bethan Davies, Jane Wilkinson, and Petra Desatova

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is for anyone with an interest in the concepts of culture and interculturality, you don’t need any previous experience. This course is also ideal if you are preparing to move to a different country for work or study or you work with groups of people from different cultures to yours. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. You can use the hashtag #FLculturecontact to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

The history of intercultural contact and the effects of globalisation.
Intercultural competence – the skills necessary to interact effectively with people from different environments and backgrounds.
How critical incidents and rich points can provide fertile ground for developing intercultural awareness.
The effects of returning to “home” cultures following periods spent in another environment.
How preconceptions and assumptions affect intercultural contact.
Looking beyond national identity to find ways in which connections between people can be established.
An introduction to the way in which ethnography can be used to investigate cultural environments.

Enroll now

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Foundational intercultural studies for global contact

According to students, this course offers a solid foundational understanding of intercultural studies, proving highly relevant for both beginners and professionals preparing for global interactions. Learners commend the clear explanations of complex concepts like intercultural competence and preconceptions, finding the lectures engaging and readings well-curated. Many highlight the unique insights into topics such as returning to home cultures and looking beyond national identity. While generally positive, some learners hoped for more hands-on exercises or practical application, viewing it more as an academic overview.

Explores unique, valuable aspects of intercultural contact.

"The exploration of 'returning to home cultures' was especially unique and valuable, a topic often overlooked."

"The emphasis on 'looking beyond national identity' was particularly impactful."

"However, the modules on 'critical incidents' offered new perspectives."

Praised for clear, engaging lectures and well-curated readings.

"The instructor's delivery was engaging, and the content felt very current."

"The lectures were engaging and the content was rich."

"I particularly enjoyed the real-life examples and case studies presented in the lectures. The readings were also very well-curated and added depth."

Offers insightful concepts applicable to real-world interactions.

"This course was incredibly insightful and highly relevant for my work in a global team. The concepts... provided practical tools."

"As someone preparing to move abroad for work, this course gave me the essential understanding of cultural dynamics."

"The insights into 'how preconceptions and assumptions affect intercultural contact' were eye-opening."

Provides an excellent foundational understanding for newcomers.

"Perfect for beginners! I had no prior knowledge of intercultural studies, and this course introduced me to the core concepts in a very accessible way."

"Overall, a good introduction to intercultural studies. I found the course content well-structured and easy to follow."

"This course provides a solid theoretical foundation in intercultural studies. It's great for understanding the 'what' and 'why'."

Emphasizes concepts over hands-on application strategies.

"Disappointed with the lack of practical application. It felt like an academic overview rather than a practical guide."

"I was hoping for more hands-on exercises or role-playing scenarios to practice intercultural communication."

"For the 'how', I think supplementary resources would be needed. The instructor was knowledgeable, and the exercises helped reinforce the learning."

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Intercultural Contact will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 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 Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Intercultural Contact.

Intercultural Communication

Save

This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of intercultural communication, covering topics such as cultural identity, communication styles, and conflict resolution. It is an excellent resource for students and practitioners alike.

Introduction to Intercultural Studies

Topics Covered

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational intercultural studies for global contact

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

Futurelearn Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Free Access on Short Courses

14-Day Cooling-Off Refund Window

Verified Academic & Industry Partner