The GYA’s 2023/24 Executive Committee organized an intercultural communication workshop on 25 October, delivered in two sessions to accommodate various time zones. With approximately 30 participants, the feedback underscores the significant impact of the initiative.
Regarding content usefulness, three-quarters of participants deemed the workshop very useful or useful. Crucially, the practical applicability of the workshop’s content was evident, with 83% expressing a high likelihood of applying the learnt concepts to their professional endeavors or daily lives. Meeting expectations is paramount for any workshop, and here, two-thirds of respondents attested to the workshop meeting or exceeding their expectations.
The impact of the workshop transcended individual participants, with 83% expressing a strong willingness to recommend similar sessions to their peers. Looking to the future, a substantial three-quarters of respondents expressed a desire to see this workshop repeated, indicating its potential for ongoing relevance within the GYA framework. This not only speaks to the workshop’s success but also its potential for broader influence within the GYA community.
Testimonies from participants offer qualitative insights into the workshop’s broader implications. One participant suggested integrating such content into standard onboarding, aligning with the GYA’s Science Leadership workshop (SLP), held every year at the Annual General Meeting as part of the GYA’s strategic project on Science Leadership. This recommendation hints at the potential institutionalization of intercultural communication awareness within GYA’s foundational processes.
Another participant emphasized the consistent addressing of this crucial topic. Acknowledging the time constraints of a one-hour workshop, they stressed the symbolic significance of regularly integrating intercultural communication discussions into GYA activities.
Notably, Dr Laura Vidal, the expert consultant who presented the workshop, curated a valuable collection of reading and audiovisual resources for the GYA community. These resources are now conveniently accessible on the dedicated Padlet board titled “GYA – Introduction to Intercultural Communication – Resources“
The intercultural communication workshop stands out as a resounding success, evidenced by overwhelmingly positive feedback. The desire for continuity and integration into GYA’s regular activities positions this initiative not only as a one-time success but as a catalyst for ongoing cultural awareness within the organization.