Developing Intercultural Competence

In the "Developing Intercultural Competence - Part I" YouTube video, Amy Moreno, the Director of Inclusive Culture at the University of Colorado Boulder, discusses intercultural competence as an essential skill for creating inclusive environments. Intercultural competence is defined as the ability to shift cultural perspectives and adapt behavior across differences. Moreno emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding one's own culture and values as a foundation for intercultural competence. She encourages individuals to reflect on their top values and where they learned them to better understand how they shape their goals and behavior. Engaging with others and reflecting on their values, beliefs, and behaviors is also crucial for enhancing intercultural competence. Intercultural competence is an ongoing learning process that involves expanding knowledge, understanding, and adapting behavior across cultural differences and similarities. The speaker uses tools like the Intercultural Development Inventory and references Darla Dierdorf's literature review to build intercultural competence, which includes demonstrating respect, cultural self-awareness, and empathy. Conflict between cultures can arise but can also be a valuable opportunity for reflection and dialogue.