The certificate consists of the following modules:
DEI Fundamentals
This module offers a foundational understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) concepts essential for fostering an interculturally competent workplace. Participants learn key terms and insights into power dynamics, microaggressions, privilege, and inequity while examining real-world examples. Participants will learn to understand, communicate with, and interact more effectively across diverse cultural differences, equipping them with the skills to adapt their approach when engaging with individuals with different beliefs, values, and customs. The module emphasizes the importance of seeking support when addressing DEI challenges, ultimately aiming to foster an understanding of DEI principles, self-awareness, and the ability to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive workplace culture.
Intercultural Understanding
This module focuses on developing participants' understanding of cultural dimensions and their implications for effective communication and relationship-building in diverse workplaces. The module explores key dimensions such as individualism/collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculine/feminine values, and long/short-term orientation. Participants gain insights into how these dimensions shape cultural perspectives, behavior, and communication styles. The module emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating cultural differences among colleagues, equipping individuals with strategies to navigate and resolve conflicts and disagreements in a manner that respects diverse perspectives in the workplace. At the conclusion of this module, participants will be able to better foster intercultural understanding, enhance communication skills, and promote a harmonious and inclusive work environment.
Business Communication
Bolstering core skills for foreign nationals and Americans alike, this module aims to equip participants with strong written and spoken business communication skills, empowering them to excel in a professional business environment. Participants will hone professional writing techniques and also enhance their public speaking abilities, equipping them with the necessary skills to deliver impactful presentations. Additionally, participants will learn American styles of negotiation, enabling them to navigate business discussions with confidence.
Intercultural Business in Practice
This course is the capstone of the Intercultural Business program, in which theory comes to life through experiential learning. Participants will have the opportunity to work together and put what they have learned in the program into practice by delving into an intercultural business topic relevant to them, culminating in a presentation and feedback from the instructor and group. This collaborative effort and application of knowledge is designed to prepare participants for working in an intercultural business environment.