Intercultural Competence Project

Developing a framework and shared approach to intercultural competence throughout UCL's curriculum, research activities, university life and culture as whole.

The Intercultural Competence project - through its working group - aims to develop a framework and shared approach to intercultural competence throughout UCL's curriculum, research activities, university life and culture as whole.

The group comprises representatives from the GEO, UCL Careers, Student Support and Wellbeing, UCL Arena, the Students Union, and Organisational Development, in addition to staff from the IOE, Brain Sciences, Doctoral School, EDI and the Office of the Vice-Provost Research, Innovation and Global Engagement, and Grand Challenges. During the academic year 2021-22 the project aims to embed ICC key aspects across key areas of the university work, both curricular and extra-curricular, and to develop a shared language that can be recognised and used by colleagues and students. Phase 1 will allow to develop a sound understanding of what practices are already in place across the university and collect relevant data and information that will inform the design of future stand-alone training projects that can be fully responsive to the needs of students and staff and consistently embedded in the UCL identity and culture. 

The project has developed an online course (hosted on eXtend) to support students and staff with the development of intercultural communicative skills. Four students were hired to support with the course development, together with the support of staff from different areas of the university. Also a number of workshops have been organised and delivered on the topic as well as focus groups with professional services staff.