Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication
New Interculturalists' Program
Master of Arts in Intercultural Relations
Intercultural Development Inventory
Intercultural Certificate Program
A Letter from the DirectorsDear Friends and Colleagues,
It is likely that 2008 will be a year of change and, if so, we interculturalists may be able to shift back into a more proactive stance. For many years prior to 2001, the trajectory of intercultural relations was towards its institutionalization in schools, corporations, and even some corners of government in the U.S. and abroad. More specialty positions were being created, and it appeared that intercultural relations would have a seat along with other social sciences at influential tables.
Instead, since 2001 the intercultural field has largely been playing defense against the forces of ethnocentrism. Terrorist violence, military invasions, and polarized opinions on immigration have not been conducive to thoughtful considerations of improving intercultural relations. In these contexts we often have sought simply to curb the excesses of cross-cultural insensitivity and intercultural incompetence.
Intercultural relations has continued a strong presence in many global corporations, and we anticipate that our value will again grow more evident to local and national governments. The European Union has taken the lead in this matter, having declared 2008 “The Year of Intercultural Dialogue.” The field is now poised to contribute some of the vision and competencies that would make the global village a more peaceful and productive place.
The Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication (SIIC) has a thirty-two year history of providing professional training and development to people who want to make this effort. During its first ten years at Stanford University as the Stanford Institute for Intercultural Communication, and for the last twenty-two under the auspices of the Intercultural Communication Institute in Portland, Oregon, SIIC has become a creative community of intercultural scholars and practitioners from many cultures that meet each year to renew their energies and commitments.
The learning experience at SIIC is characterized by its intensity, its relevance to the professional development of the participants, its balanced emphasis on knowledge and skills, and the respectful and supportive atmosphere in which it takes place. A vital aspect of SIIC is the interactive learning environment it maintains. Discussions extend over long mealtimes and the social receptions scheduled every night. Notably, workshop leaders reside on campus and are available at meals and evenings for informal talks with participants.
The SIIC atmosphere is inclusive—all participants should expect that their cultural differences will be appreciated and that there will be interest in mutual learning about those differences. Learners can anticipate a lively week (or two, or three) of intense engagement with intercultural issues and resources—networking, reading, researching, listening, asking, and delighting in the company of diverse but similarly dedicated professionals. We hope you are able to join us for what again promises to be a unique and significant learning opportunity.
8835 S.W.
Canyon Lane, Suite 238, Portland, OR 97225 |
ici@intercultural.org |
Phone / Fax: 503-297-4622 / 503-297-4695
Web Design: Ravi Ammigan
© 2008 Intercultural Communication Institute