What is cross cultural training and why is it so important?
Cross cultural training examines cultural difference and its implications for cross-cultural interaction. It should not be confused with Cross Cultural Awareness which is an insiders view of their own culture. Cross cultural training helps participants take the first step towards becoming cross cultural brokers where they are able to operate effectively in two cultural environments. Developing cross cultural awareness or empathy with the points of view of another culture is not enough to achieve this outcome. Cross cultural training should provide participants with the kind of knowledge and skills that will assist them to operate effectively in another set of culturally defined roles. Cross cultural flexibility is at the core of cross cultural competencies and needs to be built on a firm foundation of understanding about ones own culture and a strong and secure sense of individual cultural identity. Cross cultural training begins with a process of self-awareness. The first step is to b
