Bridging Cultures: Navigating Intercultural Communication in the Classroom

In today’s diverse academic environment, classrooms often bring together students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, each with unique communication styles, expectations, and learning approaches. In this session, faculty and staff will build awareness of cultural differences and develop strategies for more inclusive and effective communication.

Through real-world examples and practical guidance, we will explore how cultural norms influence classroom dynamics, participation, and perceptions of authority. Participants will gain tools to foster a more welcoming learning environment, reduce misunderstandings, and support the academic success of all students – especially those from international backgrounds.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Recognize how cultural values and communication styles can influence classroom behavior and expectations.
Describe common intercultural communication challenges that may arise in academic settings.
Identify strategies for fostering inclusive and culturally responsive classroom interactions.
Apply practical techniques to navigate and bridge cultural differences in teaching and advising contexts.