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Intercultural Learning Initiative

The Office of the Vice President of International Relations' Intercultural Learning Initiative aims to advance the university’s global ambitions by providing Northwestern staff members with the crucial tools and skills they need to thrive in a culturally diverse workplace.

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Workshops

Facilitated Intercultural Learning Opportunities

Our intercultural workshops are open to all Northwestern employees. The goal of these opportunities is to provide practical information to increase intercultural sensitivity and effective communication. Our workshops provide interactive sessions and ongoing support resources.

Navigating Cultures in the Global Workplace

This interactive 5-week workshop series for Northwestern staff provides tools for greater self-awareness and practical global insights to increase intercultural effectiveness in the workplace.

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Assessing Global Readiness

Staff members who have participated in the "Navigating Cultures" workshop series have the option to continue their intercultural learning and participate in a 60-min "Global Readiness Assessment" small group session, debriefing results of the Global Competence Aptitude Assessment (GCAA)®. This assessment helps individuals understand their strengths and gaps, and provides advice and resources on how to continue to grow and improve.

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One World \ One Northwestern Affinity Group

Intercultural Competency and Global Inclusion

This affinity group brings together Northwestern staff members interested in intercultural learning. We organize quarterly topical events and provide a space for creative problem-solving and sharing of best practices. All Northwestern staff members are welcome!

Sign-Up Here

News and Events

Mentions

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NURAP Article: Expanding Global Competency

Events

May
18
2023
Shaping Climate Futures: The Social Drivers of Deep Carbonization
12:00 PM Technological Institute, 2145 Sheridan Road
A speaker panel with Researchers from the University of Hamburg, Germany on Shaping Climate Futures: The Social Drivers ...
May
22
2023
Intercultural Learning Initiative: Assessing Global Readiness Session Deadline
All day
The deadline to sign up for our Spring Quarter Global Readiness Assessment Debrief is May 22, 2023. This latest offering...

Support and Customized Programs for Northwestern Units

We offer resources, support, and customized programs for Northwestern units across campus. Below are a few examples of the types of programs and events we have organized in the past.

Customized Trainings and Webinars:

  • Faculty Training: Engaging and Supporting International Students
    (School for Professional Studies)
  • Staff Retreat Session: Cultural Considerations in Global Alumni Engagement
    (Northwestern Alumni Association)
  • Ireland 101 Workshop with Irish Consul General Kevin Byrne and SESP Professor Jim Spillane
    (Alumni Relations and Development and Athletics Department)

Customized Workshops (Fees apply):

  • 5-week Workshop Series on Navigating Cultures in the Global Workplace
    (Northwestern Alumni Association)
  • 3-week Workshop Series on Navigating Cultures in the Global Workplace
    (McCormick School of Engineering - Office of Professional Education)
  • Full-Day Workshop on Navigating Cultures in the Global Workplace
    (Feinberg School of Medicine - All of Us Research Program)

Contact

The Intercultural Learning Initiative is led by Jennifer Gerrard and Janka Pieper:

Jennifer Gerrard and Janka Pieper are certified in: