The ability to interact across cultures is valued by modern education systems and employers. Intercultural competence necessitates acquiring knowledge about both unfamiliar cultures and values, and one’s own. It implies an attitude of openness to difference, and the ability to recognize stereotypes.

As language is inseparable from culture, teachers have both a responsibility and an opportunity to train students’ intercultural competence. However, COVID-19 and its aftershocks continue to disrupt our ability to travel and experience genuine interaction across cultures. Further, many argue that the representation of culture in ELT textbooks and classrooms is inadequate.

This workshop will introduce frameworks and activities that teachers can use to sensitize students to cultural difference, help students to understand their own values, and connect those values to cultural behavior. It will also suggest ways in which online tools can be used to encourage collaboration beyond the classroom.