It is not only corporate organisations, but also Higher Education institutions, that are “going global”. Every year, increasing numbers of foreign students arrive to live and study in South Africa. These overseas students provide essential revenue for many universities and colleges. For many international students, the period of study in South Africa is the first time they leave their home country and culture, and hopes and aspirations about the prospective learning experience are often tempered by anxieties and uncertainty about coping with everyday practicalities and the general way of life.

IBA Global’s Cultural Awareness for Higher Education Staff courses are specifically tailored to the requirements of HE staff who find themselves at the front line of contact with international students. It provides them with understanding of different ways of doing things, and the appropriate cultural tools to facilitate the adaptation and integration process of this important target group.

Benefits

An IBA Global Cultural Awareness for Higher Education Staff course will provide you with:

• An understanding of the impact of culture on our and others’ behaviours and attitudes
• An appreciation of the positive potential of cultural diversity
• Strategies to enhance your cross-cultural sensitivity
• An understanding of the challenges faced by international students on their arrival and during
• their stay in South Africa
• Practical tips and skills to help you interact positively and sensitively with international
• students

Who should attend

An IBA Global Cultural Awareness for Higher Education Staff course will be of benefit to you if:

• Your work involves day-to-day interactions with international students
• You are required to solve a variety of administrative and other practical problems facing
• international students

Course content

All of our Cultural Awareness for Higher Education Staff training courses are designed to meet the specific needs of our clients depending on their personal/organisational requirements and existing skill set. A Cultural Awareness for Higher Education Staff course typically includes:

• Culture and its impact on values, attitudes and behaviours
• Culture and country shock
• Stereotypes and perceptions
• Expectations and reality for international students
• Communicating with international students
• Practical strategies for supporting international students

Approach

Cultural Awareness for Higher Education Staff courses are available seven days a week, 365 days a year, either at one of our training centres or at your offices in any location worldwide. We usually recommend a one or two day course but can also offer a more flexible format to suit your schedule.
Suitably tailored materials will be used throughout your Cultural Awareness for Higher Education Staff course and your trainer will provide a balance of structured input and discussion of case studies and scenarios relevant to your own particular context.

The most appropriate training format, content and approach for your Cultural Awareness for Higher Education Staff course will be discussed during your diagnostic consultancy.

Cultural Awareness for Higher Education Staff course trainer

Your Cultural Awareness for Higher Education Staff course trainer will be assigned to you following the results of your diagnostic consultancy according to your objectives and areas of focus.