Abstract
In the era of globalization, the world is becoming increasingly ethnically diverse. It is seemingly important for our students to have the ability to live and work alongside people of various cultures. Employers often seek professionals with intercultural skills and competencies in order to recruit productive members of a complex, borderless workforce. Information and responsiveness towards international topics, socio-economic conditions, and human rights issues have been gaining attention in the higher education curriculum. We recognize the need for promoting students’ empathic and intercultural skills in order to stimulate their understanding about local and global issues, enhance their perceptions and understanding of the world, and cultivate a willingness to develop relationships with those from different backgrounds who may exhibit differing perspectives. By enhancing these competencies, students not only learn to deal with differences, but also realize their own potential for transformation, and ultimately, inclusion in the global society. Study abroad participants from all academic majors can develop marketable skills in cross-cultural communication and collaboration to enhance their learning and obtain the confidence and skills to engage in meaningful discussions on these issues no matter where they are or who they are speaking with. In this study, we present the key elements of a Global Diversity Learning Study Abroad preparation program with students at Queensborough Community College, City University of New York. Our program helps to transform our youth into inclusive global professionals through the development of: Empathy development, Active listening, Intercultural communication, Global citizenship, and Interpersonal preparedness.
Presenters
Tony MonahanAssociate Professor, HPED - Health, Physical Education and Dance, Queensborough Community College, CUNY, New York, United States Lampeto Efthymiou
Student Life International Student Manager, Center for International Affairs, Immigration and Study Abroad, Queensborough Community College, New York, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Global Inclusion, Empathy, Active Listening, Intercultural Communication, Global Citizenship
