The pursuit of intercultural knowledge is nothing new to International House – it’s been fundamental to its purpose for nearly 80 years and touched the lives of more than 80,000 residents. This fall launched a new initiative that formalizes intercultural skills training at I-House as never before under the mantle of “Culture Bridge.”
“What we’ve discovered from resident feedback is that while the House still includes astounding cultural diversity, the number, length, and quality of conversations between residents has shifted over time….” says Executive Director Martin Brennan, who established the new initiative.
“The average length a resident stays has shortened, and the competition for student time and attention has shifted in our vastly more technological world. We realized we needed to chart new paths to connect residents to one another and to a deeper understanding of what defines culture. This is a new means to expand an appreciation for cultural differences and human commonalities – and a response to those seeking insights and practical tools to enhance competitiveness and efficacy in an increasingly competitive global marketplace,” said Brennan. |
I-House residents like those pictured at the spring 2009 Candlelight Supper will “carry the torch” of I-House’s mission via the new Culture Bridge initiative in intercultural skills training taught by Martin Brennan and Dr. Liliane Koziol.
See related article on Robertson Scholars. |
“The concept is to build a flexible curriculum in intercultural skills training that draws on the best of I-House: our residents, face-to-face cross-cultural conversations, and exposure to cultural traditions including music, food, and art from around the world. Role-playing and simulations are included to deepen engagement with cultural concepts and fellow participants, and always the need for respect as a basis for successful and peaceful cultural navigation is emphasized.”
The initiative has launched with a semester-long UC Berkeley sponsored course in “Navigating Cultures” taught at I-House jointly by Brennan and Dr. Liliane Koziol, Director of Programs, with 35 undergrad and graduate students from I-House and across Cal. In the Spring Culture-Bridge will be formulated in a one-day workshop format convened twice in order to give access to 100+ more residents. Eventually a format geared toward business professionals and the general public is envisioned, as are a series of complimentary residential programs that bring together scholars from cultures in conflict to “Build Bridges” through shared intercultural training and joint projects.
Says Brennan, “This is an exciting work in progress – and in many ways new territory for I-House -- but we are benefiting tremendously from the investment of time and ideas from countless alumni and friends who support this vision.” (See related article on Robertson Scholars). I-House welcomes suggestions, referrals and questions on Culture Bridge at ihouse@berkeley.edu or (510) 642-4128. |
