Recently, the University and Career Counseling Office of The Dewey Schools organized a workshop on “Cultural Intelligence in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” for TDSers from 12Madrid. The aim was to provide students with insights into the importance of developing cultural intelligence in the era of rapid development of Artificial Intelligence. The presence of Mr. Will Shannon, the Internationalization Director from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, as a guest speaker, brought a particularly inspiring experience for the participating students.
Defination of “Cultural Intelligence”
“Cultural Intelligence,” or Cultural Quotient (CQ), is a term that refers to the ability of individuals to effectively work and communicate in situations and environments characterized by cultural diversity. This is one of the particularly crucial skills as workplaces and societies become increasingly diverse and globally interconnected. Additionally, the future job market will place more emphasis on tasks that require unique human capabilities that machines cannot replicate, and cultural intelligence is one of these capabilities.
Especially when TDSers study and work in international environments in the future, Cultural Intelligence will enhance the efficiency of the learning process, networking, and career orientation. It will also facilitate effective connections with friends and colleagues from various countries. Mr. Will Shannon illustrated this concept through practical applications, providing examples and scenarios for students to easily apply, particularly those with aspirations for studying and living abroad.
Cultural Intelligence in the new age
To underscore the significance of Cultural Intelligence, Mr. Will posed the question: “Can AI assist in Cultural Intelligence?” This inquiry sparked lively discussions among TDSers. The response from Mr. Will affirmed, “AI can indeed assist. However, just like with any cultural knowledge source, reliance solely on it is not advisable. It is crucial to seek opinions from various sources, with the most important being individuals belonging to that culture.”
Sharing her insights, Nguyen Huyen Anh, a 12th-grade student from Madrid, expressed, “Cultural Intelligence proves to be an incredibly potent tool in this new era, not only for me but for everyone. For instance, when I meet a friend from South Korea, I need to know a bit about their culture. Because Korean and Vietnamese cultures have many differences, not understanding their culture could unintentionally hurt them. Therefore, cultivating Cultural Intelligence is essential to show your respect and willingness to connect with others, even when there are differences between us. Similarly, thinking on a broader scale, Cultural Intelligence helps us integrate into the world, make friends in various places, and work effectively in an increasingly culturally diverse environment as we experience today.”
Dewey students and their bright future
Upon the conclusion of the workshop, Mr. Will expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am genuinely impressed by the students’ engagement. Their proactive contributions, thoughtful discussions upon my prompting, and the insightful questions posed reflect a profound comprehension of the subject, despite its novelty. It is clear that students are not only attentive but also adept at processing information, open to new ideas, and critical thinkers. This underscores their understanding of how Cultural Intelligence can significantly impact their future careers.”
The Dewey Schools extend heartfelt appreciation to the speaker, Mr. Will Shannon, for generously sharing his insights and helping TDSers delve deeper understanding of Cultural Intelligence. Additionally, students had the opportunity to hear perspectives from Vietnamese international students who have studied or are currently studying at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, providing insights into the environment and people there. We hope that TDSers have gained valuable experiences and fascinating insights into the importance of Cultural Intelligence, encouraging them to set further goals for personal improvement as they confidently stride into the upcoming journey!
