Supporting Students: Cultural Awareness in an International Learning Environment

Course Code
50154561

Course has already taken place

Provider
OD&PL

Tutor(s):
Jennifer Isherwood,Katy Lovelace

Suitability
This course is suitable for staff involved in providing support to
students from different cultural backgrounds working with undergraduate
and/or postgraduate students (taught and research).

If the course is FULL, then please register on our interest list by
emailing your details to Organisational Development and Professional
Learning - academicdev@leeds.ac.uk.

Date(s)
Friday, May 22, 2020, 09:30 to 12:30

Max Places:
0

Description
Aim
To provide an opportunity for staff to discuss, reflect and learn from
each other about the impact of culture and cultural difference on our
experiences and interactions; how we can build our intercultural
competence; and how we can support an inclusive student experience in
our international learning environment.

Objectives
By the end of the session you will have…
1. Heard about some students’ experiences of adapting to living and
studying in Leeds, and discussed what we can do to support students’
transition to a new social, cultural and academic environment.
2. Explored some cultural influences on our interactions, and reflected
on how you can build you intercultural competence.
3. Discussed ways of addressing cross-cultural communication challenges,
and practised using ‘Global English.’
4. Identified actions you can take in your area of work to create an
internationally inclusive environment and support intercultural
community building for all students.

Not - top tips for engaging with one particular culture or
nationality.

Course Content
Topics covered in the session will include:-
• Invisible/visible aspects of culture and cultural rules
• Cross-cultural experiences
• Intercultural communication and Global English
• Intercultural community-building
• Inclusive support and opportunities
• Useful tips and resources

Learning and Teaching Methods
Course content will be delivered through presentation, discussion and
practical activities.

Tutors
Jenna Isherwood is a Project Manager at the International Student
Office, working on a range of new international student support and
intercultural opportunity projects. She studied in the USA as an
international postgraduate student.

Katy Gregg is a Project and Activities Officer at the International
Student Office, working on a range of wellbeing and community building
projects. She has studied abroad in Australia.

Comments from recent Participants
"Lots of useful advice, discussion, raising issues [and] other
considerations in bringing cultural awareness to the fore. I will be
recommending front line staff attend in my team."
"One of the most interesting courses I have attended in a long time!"