“Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true.”
~ Swami Vivekananda
One of my major takeaways after working with thousands of international students, scholars, and visiting faculty, is that truth, although true for the beholder, is different for each person. Pending his or her cultural background and personal experiences, we speak truths from of own perspective. Thus, we often misunderstand the intentions of those who operate from alternative truths.
It turns out though, that if we take the time to learn accurate information about others’ cultural frameworks and perspectives, their truths make sense too. The trick is taking the time to learn and making sure the content aligns with the targeted demographic.
By doing this, we bridge invisible gaps and minimize barriers which keep us separated, ignorant, in fear or in competition with those we don’t understand. By knowing more about another person’s culture, we empower ourselves to communicate more effectively with them. We also begin to more easily navigate with people from diverse backgrounds. Our newly understood truths form mutual respect and lead to new ways to live peacefully together.
We see more bridging between differing cultures occur more and more in businesses that work across multiple countries, at universities with international education programs, with government and non-profit organizations. That’s why www.CulturallyConfident.com provides classes, workshop training, and camps to teach students, employees, and faculty the skills they need in our ever increasing global economy.
There are so many ways to apply the class content for academic or professional goals.
Here are increases that class participants reported from completing cultural bridge class:
- Intercultural Adjustment and Integration
- Self-Awareness and Critical Thinking Skills
- Intercultural Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- International Leadership Skills
- Academic and Workplace Readiness
- Cross-cultural Communication Skills
- Intercultural Team Collaboration
- Self-Confidence and Overall Relocation Satisfaction
For more information about the classes, workshops, or orientations, contact me at tara@hlslinstitute.com
For more class and camp information, visit www.CulturallyConfident.com
Tara Madden-Dent, Ph.D. 