The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is pleased to announce their upcoming series of hybrid workshops, Enhancing Your Cultural Intelligence: Navigating Cultural Differences for Intercultural Success, scheduled for April 23-24, 2025.
Facilitated by Guido de Wilde of the University of Amsterdam, these training sessions are designed to help participants better connect and engage with our increasingly culturally diverse communities. The first workshop will be tailored for McMaster faculty, staff of the MacPherson Institute, and others interested in cultural intelligence in the classroom. The second workshop will be geared towards members of McMaster’s Global Ambassador Programme, and the third workshop, towards OIA/McMaster staff with an international portfolio. Though content and discussions will be designed with the targeted audiences in mind, all interested are welcome to attend any of the sessions – please join us!
More information on each workshop, as well as registration forms, can be found at the tabs above. If you have any questions, please contact OIA Director, Dr. Amira El Masri (amira.elmasri@mcmaster.ca) or OIA Research Intern, Maia Lepingwell-Tardieu (lepingam@mcmaster.ca).
Guido de Wilde Guido is an expert in creating engaging student communities and crafting student mobility programs that foster 21st-century skills, focusing on intercultural competence, student leadership, peer-to-peer mentoring, and experiential learning. He earned an MSc in Communication Science and completed training at the School for Training. In 2002, he studied psychology at the University of Toronto’s St. George campus through an exchange programme. Currently, he oversees global student experience and engagement initiatives at the University of Amsterdam and is the Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of ESN Amsterdam. As part of his work, he was the architect of the UvA Cultural Exchange Ambassador Programme, a student leadership initiative that emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion. This programme has been honoured with the Orange Carpet Award by EP Nuffic and was nominated for the Championing Diversity PIEoneer Award. He also leads the University’s partnership on three Erasmus projects – NICE (Network for Intercultural Competence to facilitate Entrepreneurship), Digipass (a digital platform to support students and staff at each stage of the mobility lifecycle), and TICKET (Transnational Intercultural Competences through Knowledge Exchange and Training). In recognition of his contributions to the University of Amsterdam and the wider academic community, Guido was awarded the University of Amsterdam Honorary Medallion in June 2022. He is also an artisan goldsmith and makes his own jewellery.
Guido de Wilde: G.C.Q.deWilde@uva.nl Willeke Jeeninga: W.F.Jeeninga@uva.nl
Amira El Masri: amira.elmasri@mcmaster.ca Paul Leegsma: leegsmp@mcmaster.ca Maia Lepingwell-Tardieu: lepingam@mcmaster.ca
In today’s increasingly multicultural classrooms, the ability to connect and engage across cultural boundaries is crucial for fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. This 2-hour workshop is designed specifically for McMaster faculty, equipping you with the tools to enhance your Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and facilitate effective collaboration and learning among diverse student groups.
Through interactive activities and guided reflections, you will deepen your understanding of cultural values, beliefs, and communication styles. This workshop will enable you to create more inclusive learning spaces, better support your students’ diverse needs, and skillfully navigate the complexities of intercultural dynamics in both local and global contexts.
Key Takeaways:
Join us to explore how developing your CQ can enhance both your teaching practice and your students’ intercultural learning experience.
Identifying Intercultural Challenges: What are the most significant intercultural challenges you currently face in your role, especially related to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, in global classrooms or studying abroad?
Setting Expectations for the Workshop: What are you hoping to gain from this workshop to better navigate intercultural interactions and support your students/global audience?
Current Strategies and Tools: What strategies or tools are you currently using to address intercultural challenges and support yourself as well as your students in international contexts? How effective have you found these tools to be?
To register for this workshop, please click here.
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the ability to engage and collaborate across cultures is not just an asset—it’s a critical skill. This 2-hour workshop is specifically designed for staff and faculty involved in the McMaster Global Ambassador Program, who play a key role in representing McMaster University on the global stage. Through this session, participants will deepen their understanding of cultural values, beliefs, and practices, and how these factors influence their interactions with international audiences, including alumni, partner institutions, and diverse communities.
Through engaging activities and guided reflections, you’ll develop your Cultural Intelligence (CQ), gaining valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating complex multicultural environments. Whether you’re promoting the McMaster brand abroad or fostering relationships with global stakeholders, this workshop will provide you with the tools to communicate more effectively, build stronger partnerships, and represent the university with confidence and cultural sensitivity.
Enhance your ability to lead and connect in the global arena—register today and take your international engagement skills to the next level!
This full-day, immersive workshop is designed specifically for the unique needs of McMaster International Office staff. Whether you’re responsible for building strategic partnerships, welcoming international delegations, or coordinating global mobility programs, this workshop will provide you with essential Cultural Intelligence (CQ) strategies to excel in your role. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to navigate cultural differences is critical for fostering successful international collaborations and creating welcoming environments for visitors and partners.
9:00am-12:00pm – Morning Session: Foundations of Cultural Intelligence
The morning will focus on the foundational components of CQ: motivation and knowledge. You’ll explore practical methods to assess and strengthen your CQ, with a particular focus on how these skills can enhance the work you do. Whether you’re managing cross-cultural communications or representing McMaster on a global stage, these skills are essential for creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
Key Topics:
12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch Provided
1:00pm-4:00pm – Afternoon Session: Advanced CQ Skills for Strategic Engagement
The afternoon will take a deeper dive into advanced CQ strategies, with a focus on applying these skills in real-world international office scenarios. You’ll learn how to adapt your communication and decision-making processes to various cultural contexts, ensuring successful interactions with partners and delegations from around the world. The session also focuses on improving teamwork and collaboration across diverse, multicultural teams within McMaster and beyond.
By the end of the day, you’ll have the tools and confidence to enhance your intercultural skills, helping you succeed in your role and contribute to the broader success of McMaster’s international initiatives.