1. “TAKING THE CONFUSION OUT OF THE FUSION” BY – TANYA THOMAS (tanyat0110@gmail.com) THOMPSON RIVER UNIVERSITY ABSTRACT Taking the confusion out of the fusion’, is a metaphor claiming to hold peace and harmony among different cultured students by understanding the importance of intercultural communication. Providing intercultural education for students during their learning phase will make them confident at their respective workplaces. A coin has two sides and following that idiom, this poster also portrays aspects like culture shock and culture barriers leading to misunderstandings. Learning about intercultural theories will help individuals enlighten and change their perception about others and themselves. Racism and anti discrimination is one of the main aspects of my academic project which emphasizes the importance of intercultural communication. This can help a student or a prospective employer/employee to increase productivity in the organization through valuing and respecting the differences among each individual. The statistical method used in the project will help in clearly defining the gap between where the students lack and need to improve on their intercultural skills, knowledge and attitudes. AIMS & OBJECTIVES To understand the importance of intercultural communication and it s cause and effect relationship between students and their future workplaces. REFERENCES Association of American Colleges and Universities (2009), College Learning for the New Global Century, A Report from the National Leadership Council for Liberal Education & America's Promise. Retrieved from: http://www.aacu.org/advocacy/leap/documents/GlobalCentury_final.pdf. Bennett, M. J. (1998). Intercultural communication: A current perspective. In M. J. Bennett (Ed.), Basic concepts of intercultural communication: A reader (pp. 1–34). Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press. Garies, E. (2012). Intercultural friendship: Effects of home and host region. Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, 1-20. doi:0.1080/17513057.2012.691525 LEARNINGS OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION Communication & Culture Barriers to communication Cure for the barriers QUESTIONNAIRE I identify as: Male Female Prefer not to disclose My student status is Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) Domestic International (Asian, Australian, African, European, Middle Eastern) Program of study Adventure, Culinary Arts & Tourism Arts Business & Economics Human Social & Educational Development Nursing Science Trades & Tech Age 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 To what degree do you think stereotypes influence your communication with culturally diverse peers? Always Usually Sometimes Rarely Never Who do you think is creating the stereotypes? You Friend Family Faculty Other QUESTIONNAIRE Where did you first become aware of the need for intercultural communication skills? Home TRU Volunteer work Workplace Nowhere Other Rank the following intercultural Communication barriers from 1 – 7 (1 being the largest barrier and 7 being the smallest barrier)? Language skill Culture shock Racism & discrimination Body language Tone of voice Ethnocentrism (idea or belief that one culture is superior to another) Fear Rank the following strategies to improve intercultural communication on the scale of 1- 6 (1 being the most effective and 6 being less effective) Listening Questioning Awareness about other culture / Culture sensitivity Open-mindedness Attending workshops Travel How important are intercultural communication skills in your professional field? Very important Somewhat important Not very important Not at all important TARGET PARTICIPENTS Students of Thompson Rivers University ADAPTATIONETHNORELATIVISM CULTURAL SENSTIVITY EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE CURE FOR THE BARRIERS BARRIERS TO INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION CULTURE SHOCK RACISM & DISCRIMINATION STEREOTYPES ETHNOCENTRISM BODY LANGUAGE LANGUAGE SKILLS