Intercultural Learning Critical preparation Module 5 Intercultural Practice

MODULE MODULE Culture Imperialism Cultural Diversity Racism Privilege Critical Reflection Culture Intercultural Practice . A MODULE Intercultural Practice Learning goal To develop an understanding of some of the knowledge , values , and skills required when working across cultures . Click here to watch the video Intercultural practice

MODULE MODULE I Culture So far we have built our foundations to cultural learning by exploring a number of issues including culture , imperialism , cultural diversity , racism and privilege . We also explored critically approaches to cultural . This unit introduces some of the knowledge , values , and skills required when working across cultures . Click here to watch the video . Developing skills for professional practice As we discussed in Module One , the idea of cultural competence is problematic and on what people do rather than knowledge , skills and Communication Imperialism Cultural Diversity MODULE ! Racism Privilege While we can learn from the situations of individual cultural groups , we risk arrogance of knowing if we think we can apply or transfer that ' to all cultural The purpose of these modules is to encourage consideration of the ongoing development and eventual application of the foundational knowledge you have gained in the module thus far is an ongoing discovery , a perpetual wondering , the recognition that the ' is not a void to be filled but a plenitude to be discovered . When we start to think we have developed intercultural , it is very likely that we have in fact started to close ourselves off from what is actually going on Community development including resolution Anti racist practice Organisational practice Historical context and issues oi power One own culture The other Intercultural dynamics Learning Celebration Openness Critical Reflection Culture MODULE LEARNING Intercultural Practice As noted in the second module on imperialism and cultural diversity , professional practice international domain must not become an exercise in cultural imperialism ?

These arguments have been made across a range of disciplines , including social work , medicine , physiotherapy , nursing , occupational therapy , education , psychology and . The process of repositioning international work requires a certain criticality about the assumptions underpinning the Western knowledge base upon which the profession has been 52 It is important to avoid reinforcing notions of the superiority of Western models of practice that so often prove inappropriate in many cultures and to be able to recognise that professional practice will take alternative forms in different , due to different , culture and 53 This is not a simple matter of determining all knowledge from West is bad and all indigenous or Eastern knowledge is good but rather it is about awareness of your own cultural lens and openness to alternative ways of knowing , seeing and being in the world ?

Perhaps you could aim to become an observer of your own profession and appreciate Western models of practice offer but a single lens through which to view the world Cultivating awareness of your own Western assumptions takes practice and even practitioners with substantial international experience must continually work at questioning their assumptions , as culture is an embedded and taken for granted part of our daily See Learning Resources Section for cross disciplinary example . at

MODULE I MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE Culture TERMS Our earlier module on reflective practice offers one means of becoming more aware of your own cultural bias , and reflection is an important ongoing practice in many professions . Other strategies include cultivating an attitude of curiosity ahead of judgement and recognising one own intercultural incompetence ?

attitude comes from the practice of cultural , where One should try to judge and interpret the behaviour of others in terms of their traditions and experience . This does not mean that one should not make judgements it simply means that one should suspend judgement while engaged with aspects of that particular This requires practitioners to cultivate the skills to suspend judgement , tolerate ambiguity , understand that there will be multiple truths and have a critical awareness of how and by whom knowledge is Further to this , it is important to consider every culture a culture and every interaction a dynamic interaction as a collaborative partnership based on sharing ?

These sentiments are echoed in the concept of cultural humility which requires a change in overall perspective and way of life to be aware of power imbalances and being humble in every interaction with every individual by exercising the attributes of openness , supportive interaction and and Click here to watch the video Suspending Judgement Click here to watch the video Strategies for Suspending Judgement Imperialism Cultural Diversity Racism Privilege Critical Reflection Culture Intercultural Practice A I .

MODULE MODULE I Culture YOUR INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE EXPECT UNCERTAINTY For students embarking on an international experience , it is common to feel a desire to contribute or make a difference for their host community . However , it is important to recognise that on arrival in a new environment , there will be differences to encounter and much to learn . It can be helpful to think through the following four stages prior to being able to make a contribution that your host community would consider worthwhile . Four stages that students should consider during an international experience are recognising , encountering , adapting and That is you should first seek to recognise your cultural self develop awareness of cultural bias and any ethnocentric tendencies encounter by going , doing , seeing and observing and adapt by adjusting to or negotiating new behaviour required in different environments . Finally , mastering is not intended as an expectation that you will master intercultural skills , but rather master the confidence to navigate yourself in your new environment . These stages are highlighted here to remind you to question your intentions or expectations around your international experience and that it will take time to adjust and adapt to new environments . While these preparation modules will cultivate your openness to new experiences and develop your critical lens , it is also important to recognise that you can never be fully prepared for an international experience and that experiences frequently do not match expectations . care to balance any perceived need to complete EL Imperialism Cultural Diversity MODULE Racism Privilege Critical Reflection Culture something meaningful or to contribute to your host community , and instead check in with hosts about their interests and Experiences of culture shock are common for students , and practical concerns such as a fear of not making friends , language barriers or worries from home can impact on your ability to engage in higher level intercultural learning ?

It can be helpful to view every interaction as an intercultural learning opportunity . These students offer some advice on dealing with some of the practical concerns of embarking on an international experience . Click here to watch the video Prepare to be open Click here to watch the video Expect uncertainty As this module highlights , effective intercultural practice is complex and requires awareness of your attitudes , values , knowledge and skills . The issues that have been discussed in this intercultural learning represent some of the foundational knowledge and essential approaches that are required for such effective practice . Engaging with this material should , however , be considered a starting point in developing cultural awareness rather than the achievement of such a goal . Intercultural learning should be considered a lifelong learning exercise , and one that requires an ongoing commitment to grappling with these challenging concepts , being open to new ideas and experiences , and engaging in critical about our own cultural selves . MODULE Intercultural Practice KEY TERMS LEARNING REF .

WELCOME MODULE MODULE I Culture REFLECTION TASK Samantha asserts that unpacking motivations for participating in an intercultural exchange can assist with identifying any ethnocentric or colonising tendencies . For example , a fascination with other cultures may indicate a tendency to voyeurism and imperialism liking people from another country could mask assumptions of homogeneity a perception that it is easier to make a difference in an international rather than a local setting needs to be challenged and the desire to give back may indicate a lack of awareness of power relations and the potential for reinforcing Read this article by Samantha , that student motivations for undertaking an international experience and reflect on your own motivations . Note down your expectations and learning goals for your international experience . Also note down some of your fears or concerns and what strategies might help to manage these ?

VVhat assumptions might be underpinning your motivations , fears and expectations ?

OR Narayan encourages us to treat every interaction we have with people from a new culture as an opportunity to learn . How might the use of your critically reflective framework assist in ensuring you learn from the richness of your intercultural encounters ?

Imperialism Cultural Diversity Racism Privilege OR Consider some of the stereotypes you may hold with respect to the culture with which you will soon be immersed in your forthcoming international experience . How might you use your critically reflective framework to ensure that you avoid enforcing these stereotypes ?

LEARNING EXERCISE Recognising that learning is a endeavour , it is important to consolidate your learning from your international experience and link this directly to aspects of your professional practice . Review the professional standards for your discipline . How does your professional body intercultural practice ?

Which skills , attitudes or values are required in your professional practice ?

Which aspects of these modules resonate with you most , such that you would like to continue to incorporate them into your professional practice ?

Write yourself a letter to address these questions and ask a close relative or friend to post this to you shortly after your return from your international experience . At this point , the letter will be a reminder to revisit your learning from your international experience and to not discard but move forward with your learning and incorporate your skills into your professional life . Critical Reflection Culture MODULE Intercultural Practice KEV LEARNING TERMS RESOURCES I It Further your engagement with the topic of intercultural practice by referring to the Learning Resources page . Click here to go to the Learning Resources section REF .

MODULE I MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE Culture Imperialism Cultural Diversity Racism Privilege Critical Reflection Culture Intercultural Practice . A TERMS LOOKING FORWARD Click here to watch the video Looking Forward Intercultural learning is a lifelong process . The content you have covered in these modules is complex , challenging and at times , confronting . As you are now ' aware , the idea of becoming culturally competent represents an understanding of intercultural learning . These modules are the starting point in developing your critical lens through which you can examine , and extract deeper learning from your intercultural experiences . Maintaining a critical perspective that is informed by an awareness of your cultural self takes practice . We encourage you to keep working on the development of your critical lens , expect to make mistakes and on your experiences . You will be able to apply these skills not only to your upcoming intercultural experience , but also throughout your personal and professional working life . Good luck and safe journey .