An intercultural approach is where people of different cultures have engaging interactions with each other. They develop strong relationships through the sharing of ideas and values and show mutual respect and understanding.
It is more than just learning about another culture, it’s about identifying your own cultural values, understanding how these may be different to other people and appreciating these differences.
1. Admit uncertainty. You are not going to know everything about every culture you will come across. Identify areas of uncertainty and be honest with yourself and the other person if need be.
2. Challenge assumptions. Be aware of your own culture. Everyone has a culture, everyone has values and associated behaviours that is accepted and familiar in their own lives. Challenge your own values and also the values you perceive others to hold.
3. Practice empathy. Suspend any criticism or judgment. Try to understand the other person on their terms. What are the underlying values that drive their behaviour?
4. Embrace diversity. Embrace each other’s differences. Be curious and be willing to ask and learn from a place of respect.
© Melbourne Polytechnic 2018
Barbara Reekman talks about being curious and learning about other peoples culture.
BEING A STUDENT IN A NEW CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT
The students know that they have a culture but they don’t necessarily understand precisely how this influences their behaviour and their thinking. Their culture is so much part of them that it controls them at a subconscious level. We must be careful that we don’t punish students for holding the values they have been taught to hold all their lives.
As Barbara Reekman discusses in the video to the left, it's important to create a learning environment where cultural differences can be openly discussed.