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Intercultural Training

Participate in a five-part series of workshops which will help you recognize that intercultural awareness requires a commitment to lifelong learning. You will get the opportunity to:

  • Describe the concept of culture and consider how it applies to your own experiences
  • Become familiar with several dimensions of culture that will help you to navigate new or unfamiliar cultural environments
  • Learn techniques and skills that promote a reflective approach to interacting with, or within, new or unfamiliar cultures
  • Share your culture(s) and experience with your cohort

To receive a certificate participants must attend five 120-minute workshops in a specific series. Series are offered in the fall and winter terms. Space is limited.

If you have any questions please email quic.training@queensu.ca.

Upcoming Training Dates:

Series Five will have the following schedule:

  • Session 1; Tuesday February 24th,  9:30 to 11:30am
  • Session 2; Tuesday March 3rd, 9:30 to 11:30am
  • Session 3; Tuesday March 10th, 9:30 to 11:30am
  • Session 4; Tuesday March 17th, 9:30 to 11:30am
  • Session 5; Tuesday March 24th, 9:30 to 11:30am

Register here!

 

Series Six will have the following schedule:

  • Session 1; Thursday February 26th 2:30 to 4:30pm
  • Session 2; Thursday March 5th, 2:30 to 4:30pm
  • Session 3; Thursday March 12th, 2:30 to 4:30pm
  • Session 4; Thursday March 19th, 2:30 to 4:30pm
  • Session 5; Thursday March 26th, 2:30 to 4:30pm

Register here!

 

Session One

You will be introduced to basic concepts of intercultural learning and theory, with an emphasis on how culture can frame experience and perception.

Session Two

You will learn how values and beliefs are tied to expectations and interpretations of interpersonal interactions.

Session Three

This session draws attention to how the cultures we’re connected to can overlap and interact with other cultures in ways we may not be aware of, particularly in the context of colonialism.

Session Four

In this workshop, we will look at how we communicate and respond to difference. You will be introduced to the R.D.I. approach to navigating cross-cultural interactions, and consider empathic approaches to communication.

Session Five

In the final session, you will apply the knowledge and ideas covered in previous sessions towards towards two collective self-reflection exercises, with an emphasis on how the material and concepts have affected you.

Considering Culture Workshops

The Considering Culture workshop is a fun and interactive 60-minute workshop where you can learn about how culture can influence the way we see the world, and gives you an opportunity to meet and talk with other students. Sessions will be held at the QUIC. Sessions for the winter term have now concluded, but check on this page for updates on potential sessions during the 2023 summer term.

If you have any questions about the Considering Culture workshop, please email the QUIC International Training Coordinator at lee.richard@queensu.ca.

New: Intercultural Wellness Leaders

Drop in and chat! QUIC’s Intercultural Wellness Leaders are a social support for International and second-generation Canadian students at Queen’s. Perhaps you are experiencing a time of stress such as feeling homesick, culture shock, and feelings of separation on campus. If you would like a sympathetic ear to listen to in a comfortable and safe setting, then please join us. 

Visits are available on a drop-in basis at the QUIC and can be accessed through front desk.

IWL's are available on different dates each week from Monday - Friday from 1:00pm - 3:00pm throughout the winter semester. Check out our social media or event calendar for the weekly schedule.  

Volunteer Oppourtunities

 

 The purpose of the Queen's University International Centre’s (QUIC) International Wellness Leaders program is to provide a regularly scheduled, informal peer support and referral service to students who access the QUIC.  Volunteers will be expected to interact with students in an engaging and empathetic manner and utilize active listening skills in order to make referrals to appropriate resources on campus if necessary. 

 

Expected Time Commitment: 1 hour/week, 6-8 weeks/term  

Volunteer Responsibilities:  

  • Attend training sessions and meetings. 

  • Be available to volunteer at least 60 minutes a week in-person at the QUIC. 

  • Proactively engage with students face-to-face at the QUIC in order to compel them to utilize the International Wellness Leader resource. 

  • Interact with other students with a non-judgmental attitude. 

  • Utilize empathic listening skills as a means to build rapport. 

  • Become knowledgeable on various supports and resources available to students on campus.  

  • Provide feedback and updates to the program facilitator. 

 

Volunteer Qualifications:   

  • Currently enrolled as a Graduate or Undergraduate student at Queen’s. 

  • Comfortable with communicating verbally in English. 

  • Strong communication skills, or willingness to develop. 

  • Curious, open-minded, with appreciation of diversity. 

  • Invested in the wellbeing of their fellow students. 

 

Benefits to Volunteers:   

  • Develop experience and competence with interacting with a diverse range of individuals. 

  • Develop communicative competencies, particularly in active listening skills and rapport building. 

  • Opportunity to connect with student peers on campus. 

  • The International Training Coordinator will act as personal reference upon request. 

 

Program Contact: QUIC Intercultural Training Coordinator, Lee Richard, at lr77@queensu.ca