Intercultural Competence

Students participating in simulated international negotiations.

Imagine working as part of a multicultural and multilingual team for a project with global reach. How can you prepare yourself now to work collaboratively with diverse individuals from around the world—in order to foster mutual understanding, build partnerships, and effect social change?

In this ever-changing world, intercultural competence is critical for professionals seeking careers domestically and internationally. Professionals with intercultural competence can best navigate new and complex environments—whether online or in person. 

We emphasize intercultural competence—fostering students’ ability to effectively listen to, communicate with, and take action in communities with a range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Cultures are structured aspects of human behavior in social life, in national and local contexts (political, linguistic, economic, institutional, and professional). Cultures are composed of ideologies and worldviews, practices and actions, participation, and communication. Intercultural competence involves a meta-level ability to recognize and analyze patterns and relationships across diverse contexts.

Intercultural competence has three primary attributes—knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Through our ICC curriculum, you have the unparalleled opportunity to develop in these areas while you prepare for your future career.

Intercultural Competence Course Work

Fostering intercultural competence is central to all degree programs at the Institute, and students take courses taught in their chosen language of study and courses in intercultural studies. Each year, a distinguished group of faculty teach these courses.

Projected Course Availability

This table outlines anticipated offerings for the coming two academic years. Please note that the projected course availability may be subject to change at any time, and, depending on the circumstances, the Institute may not be able to provide advance notice of changes. 

Enrolled students should consult the Course Schedule for course dates, times, and locations for the current and upcoming semester. Degree maps for enrolled students are provided via Canvas through the “Front Desk” site.

  • Offered in:
    Fall 25 Fall 26
    offered in: Fall 25
    offered in: Spring 26 ()
    offered in: Fall 26
    offered in: Spring 27 ()

    Course Description

    Introduction to Intercultural Competence provides an overview of theories and approaches related to communicating within and across different cultural communities. The course addresses the complexity behind the concept of “culture” and guides students through greater awareness of their own culture(s) as they prepare to engage successfully with others. Students will examine and critically analyze various frameworks related to the development, training and assessment of intercultural competence and consider how identity and power impact both intra- and intercultural communication.
  • Offered in:
    Fall 25 Fall 26
    offered in: Fall 25
    offered in: Spring 26 ()
    offered in: Fall 26
    offered in: Spring 27 ()

    Course Description

    This interdisciplinary course will provide an overview of key conflict transformation principles and practices , through an intercultural lens. Students will conceptualize conflict and conflict transformation at macro, meso, micro, and me-cro scales through discussions, exercises, and experiential activities. The course will explore the role of culture, language, ideologies, and practices in conflict across scales. Students will begin by exploring their conflict styles, positionalities, and commitments. They will practice relevant methods for examining conflicts, including noticing/observation, curious vs. persuasive questions, interviews, conflict analysis and mapping, case study analysis, and identifying points of intervention. Ultimately, students will create a portfolio of their CT knowledge, skills, and dispositions.
  • Offered in:
    Fall 26
    offered in: Fall 25 ()
    offered in: Spring 26 ()
    offered in: Fall 26
    offered in: Spring 27 ()

    Course Description

    Stories are an integral part of human life; they inform people’s emotional lives and are a cultural and social expression for societies around the world. Stories can reflect and help individuals and communities to examine their values, stereotypes and prejudices. The ability to tell stories can be empowering for marginalized communities by giving them the space to tell the truth and to put on record their demand for justice. For communities in conflict, stories often serve as an opportunity to deal with their past and as a platform to raise awareness about their suffering. As much as telling stories is natural to humans, storytelling skills to improve communication and listening can be learned. When storytelling is effective, it functions as a creative tool to transform conflicts while providing a voice to those who are voiceless. In this class, students will learn to use stories (telling, listening and developing) to build greater understanding and respect among individuals and communities in conflict and thus lay the foundations for effective change – social, cultural, institutional and political. The course will include ample applications of storytelling for social change and human development, including data visualization for decision-making, advocacy, and program management.
  • Offered in:
    Fall 26
    offered in: Fall 25 ()
    offered in: Spring 26 ()
    offered in: Fall 26
    offered in: Spring 27 ()

    Course Description

    (Cross-listed with Chinese)
  • Offered in:
    Fall 25 Fall 26
    offered in: Fall 25
    offered in: Spring 26 ()
    offered in: Fall 26
    offered in: Spring 27 ()

    Course Description

    (Cross-listed with Spanish) This course allows learner to develop intercultural communicative competence in Spanish. Each Friday, students will travel to Salinas and interact with English learners who are speakers of their target language. Through a sequence of tasks and projects, learners will develop language skills, creativity, critical thinking, community awareness, intercultural competence, language confidence, and learning autonomy.
  • Offered in:
    Spring 26 Spring 27
    offered in: Fall 25 ()
    offered in: Spring 26
    offered in: Fall 26 ()
    offered in: Spring 27

    Course Description

    This course examines the social, cultural and linguistic factors that play a role in how intercultural communication is accomplished in multilingual/ multicultural settings and will enable students to gain the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation in multilingual/multicultural communication. The course is designed for students in all programs (T&I, business, policy, and TESOL/TFL), who will find themselves interacting with people across varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds .
  • Offered in:
    Spring 26 (j term) Spring 27 (j term)
    offered in: Fall 25 ()
    offered in: Spring 26 (j term)
    offered in: Fall 26 ()
    offered in: Spring 27 (j term)

    Course Description

    (Generally cross-listed with other programs) Aristotle used the term “phronesis” to describe knowledge that can only be acquired through lived experience. Global courses will take you into the field to interact with those directly impacted by an issue. You will explore key knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with conflict transformation, intercultural competence, and impactful engagement with pressing global issues. You’ll gain on-the-ground exposure to diverse organizations and professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of real-world challenges and developing the skills to contribute to positive change and effective policy-making. Activities will include pre-departure intercultural competence preparation, engaging site visits with local stakeholders and experts and technical skill development such as in-depth field research. Select courses will also include collaborative client projects and co-learning opportunities with local practitioners and students. You’ll participate in guided and self-guided reflections, including restorative practices and group decompression sessions, and post-experience debrief opportunities, such as panel discussions and storytelling sessions. Technical skill development such as on-the-ground training and application of an approach or methodology are also part of each MIIS global course. By the end of the global course, students will explore key knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with the course topic including: Develop a deeper understanding of a complex global challenge or issue and its cultural, social, and economic implications. Analyze complex global issues from multiple perspectives, recognizing both destructive and constructive aspects of conflict. Engage in dialogue and deliberation with diverse stakeholders, including experts and community members. Apply principles of intercultural competence, power, and privilege in discussions, project design, and personal reflection. Propose and implement solutions for structural and policy changes Utilize restorative practices to foster group cohesion and navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively. You will demonstrate your learning by contributing to research papers, drafting reflections, sharing your work with the MIIS community, and completing impactful client projects or other deliverables. These assessments will allow you to showcase your understanding of the course topic, conflict transformation, applied intercultural competence, and your ability to contribute to tangible solutions for global challenges.
  • Offered in:
    Spring 26 (j term) Spring 27 (j term)
    offered in: Fall 25 ()
    offered in: Spring 26 (j term)
    offered in: Fall 26 ()
    offered in: Spring 27 (j term)

    Course Description

    (Generally cross-listed with other programs) Aristotle used the term “phronesis” to describe knowledge that can only be acquired through lived experience. Global courses will take you into the field to interact with those directly impacted by an issue. You will explore key knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with conflict transformation, intercultural competence, and impactful engagement with pressing global issues. You’ll gain on-the-ground exposure to diverse organizations and professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of real-world challenges and developing the skills to contribute to positive change and effective policy-making. Activities will include pre-departure intercultural competence preparation, engaging site visits with local stakeholders and experts and technical skill development such as in-depth field research. Select courses will also include collaborative client projects and co-learning opportunities with local practitioners and students. You’ll participate in guided and self-guided reflections, including restorative practices and group decompression sessions, and post-experience debrief opportunities, such as panel discussions and storytelling sessions. Technical skill development such as on-the-ground training and application of an approach or methodology are also part of each MIIS global course. By the end of the global course, students will explore key knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with the course topic including: Develop a deeper understanding of a complex global challenge or issue and its cultural, social, and economic implications. Analyze complex global issues from multiple perspectives, recognizing both destructive and constructive aspects of conflict. Engage in dialogue and deliberation with diverse stakeholders, including experts and community members. Apply principles of intercultural competence, power, and privilege in discussions, project design, and personal reflection. Propose and implement solutions for structural and policy changes Utilize restorative practices to foster group cohesion and navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively. You will demonstrate your learning by contributing to research papers, drafting reflections, sharing your work with the MIIS community, and completing impactful client projects or other deliverables. These assessments will allow you to showcase your understanding of the course topic, conflict transformation, applied intercultural competence, and your ability to contribute to tangible solutions for global challenges.
  • Offered in:
    Spring 26 (j term) Spring 27 (j term)
    offered in: Fall 25 ()
    offered in: Spring 26 (j term)
    offered in: Fall 26 ()
    offered in: Spring 27 (j term)

    Course Description

    (Generally cross-listed with other programs) Aristotle used the term “phronesis” to describe knowledge that can only be acquired through lived experience. Global courses will take you into the field to interact with those directly impacted by an issue. You will explore key knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with conflict transformation, intercultural competence, and impactful engagement with pressing global issues. You’ll gain on-the-ground exposure to diverse organizations and professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of real-world challenges and developing the skills to contribute to positive change and effective policy-making. Activities will include pre-departure intercultural competence preparation, engaging site visits with local stakeholders and experts and technical skill development such as in-depth field research. Select courses will also include collaborative client projects and co-learning opportunities with local practitioners and students. You’ll participate in guided and self-guided reflections, including restorative practices and group decompression sessions, and post-experience debrief opportunities, such as panel discussions and storytelling sessions. Technical skill development such as on-the-ground training and application of an approach or methodology are also part of each MIIS global course. By the end of the global course, students will explore key knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with the course topic including: Develop a deeper understanding of a complex global challenge or issue and its cultural, social, and economic implications. Analyze complex global issues from multiple perspectives, recognizing both destructive and constructive aspects of conflict. Engage in dialogue and deliberation with diverse stakeholders, including experts and community members. Apply principles of intercultural competence, power, and privilege in discussions, project design, and personal reflection. Propose and implement solutions for structural and policy changes Utilize restorative practices to foster group cohesion and navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively. You will demonstrate your learning by contributing to research papers, drafting reflections, sharing your work with the MIIS community, and completing impactful client projects or other deliverables. These assessments will allow you to showcase your understanding of the course topic, conflict transformation, applied intercultural competence, and your ability to contribute to tangible solutions for global challenges.
  • Offered in:
    Spring 26 (spring break) Spring 27 (spring break)
    offered in: Fall 25 ()
    offered in: Spring 26 (spring break)
    offered in: Fall 26 ()
    offered in: Spring 27 (spring break)

    Course Description

    (Generally cross-listed with other programs) Aristotle used the term “phronesis” to describe knowledge that can only be acquired through lived experience. Global courses will take you into the field to interact with those directly impacted by an issue. You will explore key knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with conflict transformation, intercultural competence, and impactful engagement with pressing global issues. You’ll gain on-the-ground exposure to diverse organizations and professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of real-world challenges and developing the skills to contribute to positive change and effective policy-making. Activities will include pre-departure intercultural competence preparation, engaging site visits with local stakeholders and experts and technical skill development such as in-depth field research. Select courses will also include collaborative client projects and co-learning opportunities with local practitioners and students. You’ll participate in guided and self-guided reflections, including restorative practices and group decompression sessions, and post-experience debrief opportunities, such as panel discussions and storytelling sessions. Technical skill development such as on-the-ground training and application of an approach or methodology are also part of each MIIS global course. By the end of the global course, students will explore key knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with the course topic including: Develop a deeper understanding of a complex global challenge or issue and its cultural, social, and economic implications. Analyze complex global issues from multiple perspectives, recognizing both destructive and constructive aspects of conflict. Engage in dialogue and deliberation with diverse stakeholders, including experts and community members. Apply principles of intercultural competence, power, and privilege in discussions, project design, and personal reflection. Propose and implement solutions for structural and policy changes Utilize restorative practices to foster group cohesion and navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively. You will demonstrate your learning by contributing to research papers, drafting reflections, sharing your work with the MIIS community, and completing impactful client projects or other deliverables. These assessments will allow you to showcase your understanding of the course topic, conflict transformation, applied intercultural competence, and your ability to contribute to tangible solutions for global challenges.

Specialization for In-Person Students

Students in any in-person degree program who want to deepen their intercultural studies can choose to add the Intercultural Competence Specialization to their degrees. The ICC specialization is designed for those interested in leadership careers in diverse international contexts.

Microcredentials for Online Students

The Middlebury Institute offers a host of microcredentials in intercultural competence, international education management, and language teaching. These allow you to upskill in targeted areas without having to commit to a full master’s degree. All courses are three credits, online, and asynchronous (no required live class meetings), so you can continue working. 

You may be particularly interested in the following microcredentials

  • Critical Intercultural Skills for Global Professionals
  • Management Skills for Intercultural Team Leaders

You will also have the option to apply credits earned in these microcredentials to many of our online degree programs in the future. Learn more about microcredentials.

Intercultural Competence Committee

The Intercultural Competence (ICC) Committee is made up of current faculty, staff, and students. With an emphasis on intercultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes, the committee focuses on curriculum and assessment, providing preparation, resources, and reflection opportunities for domestic and international immersive learning experiences, building intercultural events for students, staff, and faculty, and cultivating partnerships across campus and beyond.

2023-2024 Committee Members

New Student Orientation

Dr. Netta Avineri provides a “Communicating in Intercultural Spaces” session for all new students. Students can share where they are “local” and discuss their approaches to issues around empathy, community engagement, and ethics. We explore the tensions and dilemmas that can arise during multilingual and intercultural interactions—between participation, observation, and documentation; between being an insider and an outsider; or between being humble and being an expert. We also discuss intercultural and multilingual scenarios and our approaches to them as a way to prepare for intercultural interactions at the Middlebury Institute and beyond.

Contact Us

Contact Professor Netta Avineri (Intercultural Competence Committee Chair) at navineri@middlebury.edu for more information.

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