Cross-Cultural Communication Training for International Student Mentors

Diane Perez, Xia He, Steven Jeune, Leslie Cirineo

Learning Outcomes

As a result of participating in the training, Student Mentors will:

• Have a better understanding of and appreciation for cultural differences and the way they can impact communication.

• Develop different listening skills that are required to develop effective cross-cultural communication.

• Acquire multiple verbal communication skills that are required to develop effective cross-cultural communication.

• Understand different ways in which international students become accustomed to the American education system.

Training Schedule1. Introductions and Training Agenda – 10 minutes2. Icebreaker: Cultural Bingo – 20 minutes3. Appreciating Cultural Differences – 90 minutes4. Listening Skills – 90 minutes5. Lunch – 60 minutes6. Verbal Communication – 60 minutes7. Cultural Dance Activity – 30 minutes8. Education Adjustment – 90 minutes9. Wrap-up/Evolutions – 30 minutes

Icebreaker Activity

Cultural Bingo

Cultural

Differences

Appreciating Cultural Differences

Greeting and Gestures Handshakes Kissing

Appreciating Cultural Differences

Food Spices Dietary restrictions

Appreciating Cultural Differences

Scheduling /Routines Religion Meals Functions

Cultural

DifferencesListening

Listening Skills

•Challenge of understanding students, who don’t speak English well

•Experience learning in another language

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rggwj2RMCzs

Listening Skills

• Discussion on listening What helped? What didn’t help? • Use all senses

Lunch Break

Music From Around The World

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD-tGRscgoM

Cultural

Differences

Verbal Communication

Listening

Verbal Communication

• The Basics:Clarity and focusTone, pace, and volumeEffective questioningReflecting and clarifyingPause and silence

http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/verbal-communication.html

Cross-Cultural Verbal Communication

• Understanding the influence culture has on communication:Word choiceDeferencePersonal space and touchSlang or jargon

• Be open to learning from your mentees!

Lost in Translation Activity

What do these sayings mean?1. Flat Out Like a Lizard Drinking – Australia

2. A Raisin in the Sausage – Norway

3. He's Ripping Clouds With His Nose – Serbia

4. Bang your butt on the ground – French

5. Hablar hasta por los codos – Latin America (Talking through your elbows.)

Dance Break Bollywood!

http://youtu.be/mVhfaPpxDkw

Cultural

Differences

Verbal Communication

Listening

Academics

International Student Panel

Compare and contrast education systems:

–How is education in the US different?

–What are some academic struggles you face as an international student?

–Do you feel that you have the necessary academic support?

–What academic supports are missing?

Academic Communication

• Role-play Activity• In pairs, act out different scenarios:

Emailing professorsUtilizing academic resourcesVocabulary/contextual knowledgeCitations (in-text)

Group Discussion

• How do academic adjustment issues impact international students?

• How can mentors assist in them in overcoming these issues?

Wrap-Up/Evaluation

Candy For Your Thoughts:What is one thing that you have learned from this

training that will help you be a better mentor?

How could the training be improved?

How prepared do you feel for your role as a mentor?