The world is a family of different cultures and this diverse family promotes different ways of thinking, hearing, and interpreting what the world is saying and doing. The discourse of intercultural communication has become a global area of study and research. Intercultural communication studies help to foster an awareness and appreciation of cultural differences in the international and domestic world. The intercultural communication studies of different ethical cultures, contributes to a better understanding of ethnic societies and helps to reduce conflict among people of the world. Intercultural communication courses expand a myriad of communication styles, psychology, social sciences, language, history, et. al.
The cultural studies are a worldwide experience that consists of a particular number of course units, and mini workshop classes that result in an examination to complete the studies. During these studies, students must also participate in an internship in foreign service, such as an international social service agency, educational exchange program, outreach organizations, or working abroad, interacting with the cultural, taking copious notes for reference. Top authors have published training modules, materials, and textbooks, runs the gamut of worldwide experts who have shaped and influenced international communication through their experience and theories.
Some major intercultural communication contributors include works of Drs. Richard W. Brislin, Tomoko Yoshida, Dan Landis, Janet Bennett, Milton J. Bennett, Kenneth Cushner, Sandra Mumford Fowler, Paul Pedersen, Larry Samovar, William b. Gudykunst, and Fred Edmund Jandt. Full time courses taught by experienced, qualified intercultural communication faculty staff members, consist of different units, such as basic or introduction to intercultural communication, educating global ready graduates, methods of intercultural training, diversity training, intercultural coaching, facilitating structured diaglogue in intercultural conflict, values around the world, thinking clearly and acting effectively, and the images in a multicultural world.
For students who are unable to attend full time, or individuals who are in the government, military, or business who require intercultural communication training quickly, can attend extensive, yet short-termed workshops. Some of these workshop topics include: investigating human errors across cultures, the refugee and immigrant experience in the U.S., exploring identity, intercultural career planning, training in international corporations, managing and leading small groups in challenging multicultural environments, resolving conflict across cultural divides, and sexuality, gender, and cultural approach.
Colleges and universities know that introducing intercultural communication is important in preparing students with the attitudinal, cognitive, and behavioral skills to be able to engage in, and with differences locally on college compuses and internationally. The aim for these courses is to train students to be prepared and to handle future intercultural differences that have not been experienced. Due to local and oversees businesses and organizations setting up globally, the need for intercultural interconnectedness and for future cultural leaders to posses the ability to engage and remain understood is vital.