Best Practices Workshop: Developing Cross-Cultural Studies Programs

October 28-29, 2005 Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota

This workshop studied ways to develop cross-cultural studies programs on campuses, with a special focus on intercultural education in the classroom taught through theory and practice. It looked at the process of designing an intercultural transitions course for international students, study abroad returnees, students of color, and other interested constituencies. We had mini-lectures by faculty and staff, a student panel, and most of the workshop was an interactive learning experience with plenty of time for discussion. Participants were introduced to a variety of intercultural resources (short readings, prints, music, film, etc.), and had the opportunity to reflect on and discuss their own campus needs in the areas of intercultural education and cross-cultural studies.

The intended audience for this workshop was international and study abroad administrators and educators, multicultural affairs and admissions personnel, and faculty.

The workshop facilitators were Petra Crosby (Director of International Student Programs; pcrosby@acs.carleton.edu), Margit Johnson (Director of Off-Campus Studies; mjohnson@acs.carleton.edu), and Éva Pósfay (Professor of French; eposfay@carleton.edu).

The workshop started at 5 pm on Friday, October 28, and concluded around 4 pm on Saturday, October 29.