Intercultural learning opportunities open to all McMaster students
One of McMaster’s greatest strengths comes from the diversity of our campus community. We have so much to learn from another, but it can sometimes be challenging to leave our comfort zone and have meaningful cross-cultural conversations. This experiential learning opportunity provides you with opportunities to build your intercultural competencies and gain valuable cross-cultural communication skills. Not only will this help you connect with the people around you, but it will also give you a competitive edge in today’s workplace, where these skills are highly valued.
Open to all McMaster students, including undergraduate, graduate, domestic, international and exchange students.
Participate in events, workshops and programming on campus to earn a certificate recognizing your commitment to intercultural learning and growth. To earn the certificate, you must complete all of the following:
- Attend two intercultural training workshops.
- Complete two asynchronous training modules.
- Participate in at least three of the eligible events (at least seven event hours).
- Complete a short learning reflection.
Have questions?
Email Andrew Staples for more information. If you’re hosting or you know of an event on campus that would be appropriate to be included in the events listings, please reach out.
Why Culture Matters: How Culture Shapes the Way We Think, Live and Work
A deep dive into what culture really means, how it impacts everyone‘s lives and shapes the way we live, work and communicate.
Choose one of the following options:
- September 24 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
- October 6 | 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.
- November 4 | 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.
More dates to be added for Winter 2027 term.
Lifelong Intercultural Learning
This workshop dives into the journey of cultural adaptation — its challenges, rewards and impact on our worldview. You’ll explore practical tools, fresh perspectives and ongoing opportunities to grow your intercultural awareness and thrive in diverse environments.
Choose one of the following options:
More dates to be added for Winter 2027 term.
AODA and Human Rights
Asynchronous learningFive short videos and a completion quiz that introduce important definitions, examples and expectations on supporting people with disabilities at McMaster. The training will take approximately 30 minutes to complete, including a required quiz.
Note: You need to submit proof of completion (available on Mosaic). Request to enroll in AODA and Human Rights training.
Call It Out: Racism, Racial Discrimination and Human Rights
Asynchronous learningCreated by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, this 30-minute interactive course provides the foundation for learning about race, racial discrimination and human rights protections in Ontario.
Note: You must take a screenshot/download the completed certificate as proof that you have completed this training.
Events and workshops will continue to be added throughout the year
There’s a diverse selection of events to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that fits your interests and passion for intercultural learning. You must complete a minimum of seven hours from eligible events.
Home Cooked at Mac
Asynchronous | 1 hour toward completionLearn about another culture by participating in a virtual cooking class! Download the recipe, go shopping and watch the cooking video to learn how to prepare a new meal. Participants must submit proof of their finished meal as proof of participation (e.g., a selfie or photo). Note: participation in this event will count towards a maximum of 1 hour towards completion.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Fundamentals and Foundation Module
Asynchronous | 3 hours toward completionThe EDIA Fundamentals module is a five-part module, designed by the Equity, Diversity and Anti-Oppression Program within the Equity and Inclusion Office, to provide the community with accessible, self-paced learning about EDIA, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression, with a spotlight on anti-Black racism in higher education.
McMaster Museum of Art Exhibit: Interior Chinatown: Morris Lum
August 25 to December 4 | 1 hour toward completion*Discover, Chinatown not only as the subject of Morris Lum’s photographs, but as the cultural, spatial, and social framework.
Note: Complete the Imagining Hamilton’s Chinatown activity (available at the front desk of the MMA) and submit a photo of your completed work as proof of completion.
* Completing 2 MMA activities will count as 1.5 hours towards completion.
McMaster Museum of Art Exhibit: Connected Histories: The Telegraph in Nigeria
September 1 to December 4 | 1 hour toward completion*This exhibit showcases how telegraph networks intersected with the economic, and sociopolitical development of Nigeria.
Note: Complete the Postcard activity (available at the front desk of the MMA) and submit a photo of your completed work as proof of completion.
* Completing 2 MMA activities will count as 1.5 hours towards completion.
Consent Trivia: Pleasure, Power, and Prevention IRL
September 10, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | 1 hour towards completionHosted by SVPRO, Award-winning speaker, Marlee Liss facilitates a dynamic, prize-driven trivia event that takes students beyond the basics of consent through myth-busting rounds, scenario play, and discussion rooted in survivor-centred, trauma-informed frameworks.
Take Back the Night: Sign Making Party
September 15, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | 30 minutes towards completionHosted by SVPRO, this is a drop-in event to make signs for Take Back The Night, a march to denounce sexual violence, gender based violence and street harassment while providing a space for empowerment and solidarity with survivors.
Red Power Rising film screening
September 25, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | 2 hour towards completionJoin a free screening of Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising, a compelling film that brings to life the story of the Anishinaabe youth occupation in Kenora, Ontario in 1974. Following the screening, Savage Bear, Assistant Professor at McMaster University, will host a special Q&A with Tanya Talaga, Executive Producer and Co-Writer, and Tom Wilson, Film Composer. This event takes place at Westdale Theatre.
Dr. Niigaan Sinclair: “Beyond September 30th… Where do we go from here?”
September 28, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | 2 hours towards completionIn recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, join McMaster’s Indigenous Studies Department for a lecture and Q&A with Dr. Niigaan Sinclair.
Thonnéntha’ ahatitshén:ri’ ne wattokhà:tshera | They Come for Wisdom
September 30, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. | 1 hour towards completionThis National Day for Truth and Reconciliation eat and educate event provides an opportunity for participants to learn, reflect and engage in meaningful conversations about the history and lasting impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples.
The Celestial Bear: The Six Nations’ Night Sky
September 30, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. | 1 hour towards completion*Discover local culture, history, and modern-day astronomy that shares the Six Nation’s sky lore and language through traditional indigenous night-sky stories.
Note: tickets cost $8.85 for this event.
*Attending more than one planetarium shows count as a maximum of 1 hour towards completion.
Onekwá:tara – the Seven Dancers of the Pleiades
September 30, 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 1 hour towards completion*Learn about the story of Onekwá:tara – the Seven Dancers of the Pleiades, and how the story is portrayed in the night sky.
Note: tickets cost $8.85 for this event.
*Attending more than one planetarium shows count as a maximum of 1 hour towards completion.
Cultural Conversations
October 1, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | 1.5 hours toward completionCultural Conversations is a monthly series that provides an opportunity for you to meet with other students and learn about one another’s cultures by sharing, listening, and discussing how things are done in different cultural settings.
Astronomy in the Middle East
October 21, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 1 hour toward completion*Understand the long history of astronomy in the Middle East, and how that knowledge survives and informs our understanding of astronomy to this day.
Note: tickets cost $8.85 for this event.
*Attending more than one planetarium shows count as a maximum of 1 hour towards completion.
Cultural Conversations
October 29, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | 1.5 hours toward completionCultural Conversations is a monthly series that provides an opportunity for you to meet with other students and learn about one another’s cultures by sharing, listening, and discussing how things are done in different cultural settings.
Cultural Misunderstandings: Exploring Cultural Communication Styles
November 17, 11:00 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. | 1.5 hours toward completionThis interactive session explores how cultural values, communication styles, and social norms impact everyday conversations. This workshop with help you build greater cultural awareness and strengthen your cross-cultural communication skills.
World Stage at Mac
November 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | 1 hour toward completionA multicultural talent showcase featuring incredible performances from McMaster’s diverse community, connect with cultural clubs and sample snacks and teas from different regions. Details coming soon.
Cultural Conversations
November 30, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | 1.5 hours toward completionCultural Conversations is a monthly series that provides an opportunity for you to meet with other students and learn about one another’s cultures by sharing, listening, and discussing how things are done in different cultural settings.
Cultural Misunderstandings: Exploring Cultural Communication Styles
December 2, 12:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | 1.5 hours toward completionThis interactive session explores how cultural values, communication styles, and social norms impact everyday conversations. This workshop with help you build greater cultural awareness and strengthen your cross-cultural communication skills.
Worshipped, Feared, Understood: The Sun
December 9, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 1 hour toward completion*For thousands of years, the Sun has shaped human destiny. Its steady rhythm of seasons sustained civilizations, while sudden eclipses inspired awe, fear, and myth.
Note: tickets cost $8.85 for this event.
*Attending more than one planetarium shows count as a maximum of 1 hour towards completion.
Winter events will be updated in December.
There will be a diverse selection of events to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that fits your interests and passion for intercultural learning. You must complete a minimum of seven hours from eligible events.