By: Andrew Staples, student success coach (international students)
This self-directed 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.
How it works
Participate in events, workshops and programming on campus to earn a certificate recognizing your commitment to intercultural learning and growth.
- You must attend at least three (or more!) of the eligible events.
- You also must attend a reflection workshop.
The certificate is available to all McMaster students, including undergraduate, graduate, domestic, international and exchange students. To sign up or ask questions, email staplesa@mcmaster.ca.
Get started
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.
Communication Across Cultures | January 24, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This interactive workshop will provide you a deeper understanding of what culture is and how it shapes us, and help you improve your communication skills with students, colleagues, friends and even the cultural differences within your family.
Cultural Conversations | January 24, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Join this monthly series to meet with other students and learn about one another’s cultures by sharing and discussing how things are done in a different cultural setting.
Global Waves | January 25, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Participate in a monthly cultural showcase series where international students lead an interactive lesson on an exciting and trending topic in their home culture.
International Grocery Trip | January 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join us on a monthly local tour of culturally specific grocery stores in Hamilton. This trip will feature AfroCan and Swadesh Market.
Africa and Black Diaspora Studies | February 7, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Join a captivating seminar featuring esteemed scholars from McMaster as they discuss An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Race and Data Collection.
Language Café | February 13, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Participate in a peer-to-peer learning experience to learn an introductory lesson in another language.
Unsettling the Great White North: Black Canadian History | February 13, 1:30 p.m.
Join Dr. Juanita De Barros and Matthew Monrose as they talk with Dr. Michele Johnson about her new book, Unsettling the Great White North: Black Canadian History.
learn about the Two Row Wampum, Dish with One Spoon Agreement and Traditional Healing perspectives.
Join Dr. Marcus Evans, recent PhD graduate from McMaster and Wu-Tang scholar, for a talk and Q&A on the group’s significant cultural impact, featuring music. Refreshments will be served for those attending in person.
International Grocery Trip | February 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join us on a monthly local tour of culturally specific grocery stores in Hamilton. This trip will feature Rama Tropical Foods and Tan Tanh Supermarket.
Global Waves: African Music to the World | February 26, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Behind the global phenomenon it is today, African music explores a rich evolution of diverse peoples, history and sound. From Amapiano to Zim Dancehall, join us as we explore an interactive celebration of the musical voices and influences from continental Africa.
Cultural Conversations | February 28, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Join this monthly series to meet with other students and learn about one another’s cultures by sharing and discussing how things are done in a different cultural setting.
Finding Spiritual Balance: A Panel Discussion and Reflection | March 6, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Register to attend an evening of insightful spiritual conversations, meaningful connections, diverse perspectives and growth. This event is in collaboration between Open Circle and McMaster’s Spiritual Care and Learning Centre.
Movie Night: What Do You Believe Now? | March 19, 4:00 p.m. to 5:40 p.m.
What happens to your spiritual and religious beliefs over time? Join us for a thought-provoking documentary watch party featuring What Do You Believe Now? Seventeen years after the first part of this documentary series in 2002, six American Muslim, Catholic, Pagan, Buddhist, Lakota and Jewish teenagers share their personal faith journeys and how their beliefs have evolved over time. Learn more about their perspectives on higher powers, life purpose, religious perspectives and more.
Food For Thought: South Asian Cooking Class | March 13, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Join the Student Wellness Centre and McMaster South Asian Networking Association in this exciting cooking lesson.
Cultural Conversations | March 20, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Join this monthly series to meet with other students and learn about one another’s cultures by sharing and discussing how things are done in a different cultural setting.
International Grocery Trip | March 23, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join us on a monthly local tour of culturally specific grocery stores in Hamilton. This trip will feature Punjab International and Samir Supermarket.
Global Waves | March 27, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Dive into the dynamic and diverse world of global cultures with our exciting cultural showcase series, where international students lead an interactive lesson on an exciting or trending topic related to their home culture.
Multicultural Showcase | April 3 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Join us for a night filled with captivating performances, music, artwork, poetry and delicious food as we celebrate cultural stories, connections and programs shared throughout the year.
Discover Italian cooking in this guided lesson on how to prepare Rigatoni and Meatballs (vegetarian options available).
International Grocery Trip | April 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join us on a monthly local tour of culturally specific grocery stores in Hamilton. This trip will feature the Chaeum Market and B&T Foods.
Stay tuned for more opportunities
If you’re hosting an event that would be appropriate to be included in the events listings, please contact staplesa@mcmaster.ca.