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Meet Subject Expert Rocio and hear all about her chosen topic focusing on intercultural communication!
Intercultural communication does not only happen abroad: it takes place in classrooms, friendships, online platforms, and youth communities. In this subject strand, discover how assumptions shape the way humans connect with others and interact across differences, and how intercultural conflict is navigated. Uncover the hidden dynamics behind intercultural misunderstandings and explore real-world scenarios, including migration, youth culture and social media, and individual cultural experiences, to decode the core concepts of intercultural communication in today’s world.
Meet your Subject Expert: Rocio!
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, and I definitely consider myself a rola. That is a common term for people born in the capital whose parents are from other regions of the country.
Where did you do your undergraduate degree? What did you study?
I studied my undergraduate program in one of the best universities of Colombia, the National University of Colombia. At first, I began studying Biology but later I decided to change my major to Philology and Languages: English. The term philology can be a bit confusing. My undergrad major basically refers to studying English to become a teacher, translator, interpreter, or to work in related fields.
What are you currently studying and what is your specific area of research?
I am currently studying for an MA in Intercultural Communication at UCL. Even though I am learning many new ideas in the program, I have already been working on linking intercultural communication with teaching English as a foreign language. I have focused on helping students become more aware of intercultural aspects by exploring cultural differences, recognizing and questioning cultural stereotypes, and engaging with students’ own cultural backgrounds.
What are your favourite things about being a university student?
What I love most about being a university student is all the possibilities it offers. I have always perceived university as a safe and open space where I can grow academically, personally, and professionally. I enjoy learning from inspiring people and experts, exploring my hobbies, performing, and discovering new perspectives through conversations and sharing with other students. I also like participating in programs outside my main field. This helps me keep learning, gain new experiences, and create lasting memories and friendships.
Do you know what you want to do when you finish your degree?
This is a very interesting question for me. I came to the UK to make a change in my career. I enjoy teaching, but I want to do more than only teaching English, which has been my main experience so far. After finishing my program, I hope to return to Colombia and use my new knowledge in various educational settings or programs that make learning a more holistic and intercultural experience. My goal is to help improve living conditions in the country and support the creation of a more equal and respectful society that values differences.
What are you most excited about for UCL Expand?
What excites me the most about UCL Expand is the opportunity to co-construct knowledge together with students from different backgrounds. I believe we all have valuable contributions to make, and learning is more meaningful in a diverse environment. I am eager to share my own knowledge and connect it to students’ lives. This way, learning goes beyond theories since it will be related to real experiences and spark creative outcomes.
Tell us a random fact about you.
One random fact about me is that I love singing. I have sung since I was a child and I have been part of some groups. In school, I was in a rock band called Octava Avenida. At university, I joined a choir called Corozo, and right now I am part of the open A Cappella group at UCL.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
If I had a superpower, I would love to be able to teleport myself and my family or friends anywhere in the world. I really enjoy traveling, and there are so many breathtaking places I would like to visit. Teleporting would definitely make traveling easier for me!
What's your favourite meal?
My favorite meal is Colombian seafood stew. It is a typical dish from the Pacific and Caribbean that I usually have when I eat out. It has coconut milk, spices, and seafood like clams, lobster, shrimp, oysters, squid, mussels, and white fish. I totally recommend it if you travel to Colombia!
Supplementary Resource List
Below you can find resources that will give you an introduction to 'Lost in Translation'. These resources are optional and for you to browse at your leisure.
- The Surprising Paradox of Intercultural Communication - video
An interesting TEDx talk where misunderstandings come from, and how can we work to avoid them.
Delivered by Helena Merschdorf, who is a social scientist, GIS analyst, translator, and writer, working at the interface of linguistics and technology.
- The Danger of a Single Story - video
An intriguing TED talk given by novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice -- and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.
- Decoding cross-cultural communication - podcast
When talking and working with people from different cultures, sometimes meanings and intentions can get lost in translation.
In this podcast episode, Erin Meyer (an expert on how we communicate and collaborate differently around the world), and Adam Grant discuss how cultural norms affect honesty and assertiveness, unpack the science behind some common American stereotypes, and identify strategies for understanding and bridging cultural divides.
- Bolstering Intercultural Communication among EFL Learners - journal article
This study, written by Rocio (!!), explores how conversation clubs promote intercultural communicative competence. It revolves around the question: How can intercultural competence be fostered among learners of English as a foregin language in online conversation clubs using an autonomy-based design?
- Intercultural communication and identity - book review
This review summarises a book titled 'Intercultural communication and identity' by Ron Darvin and Tongle Sun - a useful text which explores how identity is constructed.
