Enhancing Intercultural Communication iCommunicate

iCommunicate: Enhancing Intercultural Communication. Image of a large group of diverse Penn students in an auditorium
iCommunicate: Enhancing Intercultural Communication

iCommunicate advances the meaningful exchange, understanding, and respect amongst members of the diverse Penn community through intercultural trainings and inclusive programming.

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What are the benefits of iCommunicate trainings for you and your group?

  • Explore the nuance and subtlety that may arise in conversations between individuals from different backgrounds
  • Establish a baseline of differing cultural norms, behaviors, and customs that will prepare you to be a positive global citizen
  • Improve your services or interactions by being more inclusive
  • Go beyond your comfort zone and see the world through a different lens
  • Enhance communication between you and your colleagues, friends, or group
  • Develop important cultural competencies of global thinking and empathy

See what past participants say by clicking through the slideshow below.

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Video Testimonials
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Intercultural Trainings

Participate in one or all 3 tracks of iCommunicate trainings by requesting a training for your group, office or department. Open to all Penn students, scholars, faculty and staff.

Scroll down to learn why this is important, descriptions of the trainings, and submit a training request!

A group of people participating in an intercultural activity
Track 2
Facts that Impact Intercultural Communication

There are many facets of life that have an impact on how we communicate with others. Your home culture – whether it be a country, region, or down to the scope of your family – all influence how we communicate and can impact your relationships with others. Life experiences and identities also differ from one person to the next. This session will grow your awareness of facts that impact intercultural communication, help you become a more effective communicator, and support our shared goal to create a safer, more inclusive environment at Penn.

Dr. Rudie Altamirano presents and intercultural training to students
Track 3
How I Communicate

Are you a direct or indirect communicator? Do you take a more attached or detached approach? There are many ways to communicate and sometimes different styles can intersect and clash. In this track, you’ll learn different communication styles and analyze scenarios where different communication styles are in play.

Request an iCommunicate Training 

Please use this form to request an iCommunicate training for your department or group or to receive more information.

Please enter the name of the department or group for whom you are requesting an iCommunicate training.
Please enter the approximate number of individuals who would participate in the training.
Which track are you interested in? Read more about each of the tracks above. 
Please share anything about your group (profession, area of interest, services provided, etc) or what topics you are interested in learning more about.
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
A group of students participating in an intercultural activity
Track 1
The World of Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication plays an important role in Penn’s vibrant community of people from all over the world and all walks of life. Whether it’s in the classroom, in the office, socially or professionally, communication across cultures can be a source of conflict but can also be a window to another point of view. In this first track, you will gain an understanding of cultural factors that are involved in interactions and ideas of low and high context communication so that you can enhance your relationships with others.