Navigate the hidden rules of communication across cultures with confidence
Whether you are new to Canada or have been here for years, this course will give you the tools to turn cultural confusion into cultural competence.
You have been living or working in Canada and have experienced confusing or uncomfortable cross-cultural moments…
What Will You Learn?
By the end of this 12-module course, you will be able to:
Understand the Impact of Culture on Communication
- Define culture and distinguish between visible and invisible cultural elements
- Identify your own cultural patterns (individualism/collectivism, high-context/low-context)
- Recognize stereotypes, implicit biases, and ethnocentrism in yourself and others
- Practice cultural humility – the willingness to learn without assuming superiority
Adapt Your Communication Style to Different Cultural Contexts
- Distinguish between direct and indirect communication across cultures
- Recognize linear vs. circular reasoning patterns in speech and writing
- Interpret silence, pauses, and nonverbal cues
Build Relationships and Transition to the Life in Canada
- Build trust and rapport across cultural differences
- Navigate intercultural friendships and relationships
- Demonstrate intercultural competence
Course Content at a Glance
- The Role of Culture in Communication
- Identity and Cultural Perspectives
- Communication Styles Across Cultures
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures
- Power, Politeness, and Communication
- Barriers to Intercultural Communication
- Language and Intercultural Relationships
- Intercultural Communication in the Workplace
- Transitioning to a New Culture
- Intercultural Friendship and Romance
- The Nature of Intercultural Conflict
- Why Intercultural Competence Matters in Canada
What Makes This Course Different?
- Practical, not theoretical content: Develop intercultural awareness, empathy, and confidence
- Balanced skills: Reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary
- Course Duration: 12 weeks (approximately 48–60 instructional hours)
- Assessment: Pre-assessment, module-based tasks, and post-assessment
- Format: Online, with weekly trainer-led sessions
- Target CLB Level: 6-7