Thursday 11-01-2018 - 10:05

Embedding an intercultural skills session into all GCU programmes is one of the great steps I am currently working on for this coming trimester with the university executives. This will help all students have equal opportunities to improve their intercultural skills and ensure that Glasgow Caledonian University is preparing all students for life beyond their studies by providing more than just their academic experience. Though some students have opportunities to volunteer abroad or have had intercultural skills sessions within one of their modules, the necessity is to ensure students who do not have opportunities (perhaps because of  financial constraints preventing them travelling outside their local surroundings or due to their type of programme with no internationalisation opportunities) are also benefitting from gaining further improvement to their transferable skills – something that is needed to be outstanding within today’s graduate market.

 

Because intercultural skills have been one of the major skills that have attained global attraction within the recruitment sector and which also conform to the aims of Glasgow Caledonian University’s vision, it will be of a great addition to all students by gaining more intercultural knowledge which enables them to work more effectively and communicate with people across different customs, values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds; because all of our professions expose us to diverse people in life.

According to a proverb, we are told that if planning for a year, sow rice; if planning for a decade, then plant trees; but if planning for a lifetime, education to people is the best. So, therefore, by adding further value to all students through improving their intercultural skills education is one of the best gifts of knowledge and attributes that cannot be taken away from them and truly shows the commitment of  GCU and it's student association in creating more global citizens.

Stay positive.

 

Yetunde Ogedengbe

Vice President School of Health and Life Sciences

 

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