S1/E02: #Developing a Global Perspective - How to bring the world into classrooms with Frank Tschan

Show notes

A high number of stamps in your passport means that you are well-travelled, but it does not necessarily mean that you are intercultural competent. How to turn cross-cultural encounters into intercultural learning?

In today’s global era where people, goods, money, and information are flowing faster than ever across borders, we increasingly interact with people from another culture. Our societies, schools, and workplaces are highly diversified. The virtual environment even enhances this development.This brings opportunities for cultural enrichment, but it may also lead to miscommunication, tensions and missed opportunities not just in business but also in our personal lives.

There is definitely a need and a value of helping students to better navigate cultural differences and to empower them to be globally competent citizens. The discussion on how to equip them with the knowledge and skillsets needed for success in an increasingly interconnected world is absolutely necessary and important.

Developing intercultural proficiency is a life-long process that requires curiosity, courage and self-reflection. It is one that education can definitely shape.

Episode Highlights

(00:01:21) Catch-up: The duo talks about the aftermath of their podcast launch, Marie-Christine’s attendance of the Talent Fair in Düsseldorf and Frauke's experience to celebrate Diwali.

(00:04:54) Culture Chat: Special guest Frank Tschan, Director of the International School in Düsseldorf, Germany, shares insights on how to bring the world into classrooms.

(00:30:21): Deep Dive: Sharing the concepts of Intercultural Learning and Intercultural Proficiency, the duo discusses the different stages of intercultural awareness and how to bridge cultural gaps to navigate through diversity.

Resources

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story. TED Talk https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en

Bender, Frauke (2022): A Raodmap to Intercultural Proficiency - Navigating Through Cultural Diversity and Inclusion. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-04899-9