Global Engagement
The global community is a vital part of Medicine Hat College. The college's international activity is guided by the philosophy that education and learning is greatly enhanced by an understanding of different cultures, languages and peoples. By incorporating a global focus in its programming, serving a diverse range of Canadian and international students, and providing opportunities for work and study abroad, the college aims to provide all learners with opportunities to develop the skills and attitudes required to function successfully in an interconnected global society, world, and economy.Programs & Activities
Open to students enrolled in a program of study at MHC, the Global and Intercultural Studies certificate program recognizes intercultural awareness and understanding acquired through targeted coursework and educational experiences at MHC. This embedded certificate is intended to be completed in conjunction with other coursework at MHC.
Outcomes:
- understand the role of culture in shaping values, beliefs, behaviors and perceptions
- gain intercultural experience
- utilize learned tools to develop, and
- reflect upon one’s own intercultural awareness and skills appreciate and value diverse systems and ways of life.
Program and graduation requirements:
- Complete six credits in coursework towards the certificate with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and no grade lower than C- (see MHC’s Academic Calendar for course list).
- Complete intercultural development training and a documented intercultural or study abroad experience, facilitated by MHC International Education, to include:
- Intercultural development training program, offered by International Education
- Intercultural experience facilitated by international education, to include and IDI assessment and debrief, reflection exercises and interviews, as well as:
- Study abroad experience of two weeks or more or
- Documented intercultural experience of 15 hours or more, facilitated by International Education
Contact Holly at hcavanagh@mhc.ab.ca for more information. See MHC's academic calendar for full program description and requirements.
Make new friends, meet new people. Volunteer with International Education to support new international students in adjusting to academic and social life at MHC and in Medicine Hat. Mentors are matched with new incoming international students (mentees) based on program of study (when possible). Mentors are expected to commit to meeting with their mentee twice a month, once at a planned group sessions and once on their own. The program is open to all MHC students.
For more details and to sign up, contact goabroad@mhc.ab.ca or iss@mhc.ab.ca.
An introductory course to intercultural development and elements of reconciliation. This non-credit course is designed to engage participants in their own intercultural skill development and to gain insights into their own cultural rules, norms and biases. The course is designed in a visually-based format with the use of infographics and videos, replacing the need for lengthy required reading.
Course Format & Duration:
- 6 modules, asynchronous, online course
- Approximately 1 - 2 hours of work per module
- 1-2 assignments per module that are graded complete/incomplete
- Certificate of Completion awarded upon completion
Outcomes:
- Develop appreciation and respect for varying cultural perspectives and behavioral norms
- Increase your awareness as to how your cultural influences can affect your intercultural interactions
- Actively regulate your response or to be mindful of your communication style in the face of feeling stressed or challenged
- Deepen your curiosity about cultural diversity
- Respond to the calls for reconciliation by understanding some of the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous cultures in Canada
This course is open to MHC students, staff and faculty. Contact Holly at hcavanagh@mhc.ab.ca for information on next available intake.
In many cases, MHC’s international partnerships, as well as providing education abroad opportunities for students, also provide opportunities for global engagement for faculty, including guest lecturing and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).
If you are interested in learning more about any of these programs, contact goabroad@mhc.ab.ca or view International Education and Diversity’s Source page for details of specific opportunities.
The Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) assesses intercultural competence—the capability to shift cultural perspective and appropriately adapt behaviour to cultural differences and commonalities. Intercultural competence has been identified as a critical capability in a number of studies focusing on overseas effectiveness of international sojourners, international business adaptation and job performance, international student adjustment, international transfer of technology and information, international study abroad, and inter-ethnic relations within nations.
The IDI and accompanying intercultural development training in available to staff, faculty and students at MHC. Contact Hadija Drummond for more information.