What is cultural competency training?
Cultural competency training teaches individuals to understand cultural differences, recognise their own biases, adapt their behaviour and build cross-cultural communication skills – ultimately increasing cultural intelligence.
During our intercultural studies programs, students will learn how to conduct cultural competency training. This is a skill that is essential to intercultural studies graduates.
There are loads of benefits to cultural competency training. Not only does it improve understanding of different cultures, but it also helps improve teamwork, interactions between teams and the public, reduces any miscommunication that may come up, and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This type of training is typical in workplaces and schools, but is essential for anyone who wants to go into fields like International Relations or International Studies.
What does cultural competency training usually include?
In order understand the framework of cultural competency, we and look at the six key points:
- Awareness of One’s Own Cultural identity
You must poses an understanding of your own cultural background, biases, values, and worldviews. This is the foundation to start with. You can understand other people’s experiences if you don’t understand your own.
- Knowledge of Different Cultures
Build an understanding of cultural norms, different communication styles, traditions, beliefs, and social structures across different groups. Through this you can develop an understanding an openness to learning.
- Cross-Cultural Communication Skills
Learn how to communicate clearly and respectively across different cultures through verbal language, nonverbal language, tone, and conflict styles.
- Attitude of Respect, Openness, and curiosity
Develop a mindset that values diversity, avoids assumptions and approaches differences with empathy
- Adaptability and Behavioural Flexibility
Being willing and able to adjust your behaviour in the moment to be more culturally appropriate in different contexts.
- Institutional and Structural Awareness
Recognize how systems can advantage or disadvantage certain groups.
