It’s our honour to host impactful Cultural Sensitivity Training Sessions for the teaching staff, student advisors, and support units within the Dean of Students’ Office at HKUST. Participants from diverse cultural backgrounds and professional roles came together, each contributing their unique perspectives.
In collaborative group activities, participants engaged in discussions that deepened their understanding of various cultural norms and gestures, revealing significant gaps that can arise in cross-cultural communication due to cultural differences. The diversity present in the room highlighted the importance of acquiring cultural knowledge and awareness, which is vital for effective collaboration with colleagues and engagement with students. Additionally, participants were able to recognize their assumptions and unconscious bias, enabling them to make more equitable decisions in both workplace and classroom settings.
“The most valuable part of the program was the interactive sharing, making us understand the stereotypes implanted in our minds.”
During case study discussions, participants explored effective practices for fostering an inclusive classroom environment. They exchanged insights and strategies in smaller groups, actively considering different perspectives and experiences in contact with diverse cultural background students, which enriched their understanding and cultivated a supportive community within the school. Furthermore, they developed empathy by listening to perspectives from Cultural Ambassadors, who shared their experiences as they pursued their further education in Hong Kong.
“Cultural Ambassadors shared their personal stories and experiences to let us understand better how our usual practices create positive or negative emotions and impact them.”
Through these training sessions, we aimed to equip staff with the tools necessary to create a supportive and inclusive environment, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for all students at HKUST and fostering a more diverse and inclusive campus.
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