AI-Driven Program Enhances Intercultural Learning for International Students
(Toronto) - International students bring diverse perspectives, language skills, and networks to the global workforce. Having navigated different cultural environments, they are often highly adaptable and resilient but how can we ensure they are equipped with the tools thrive and advance in new workplaces?
The University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and Rotman School of Management are leveraging the power of AI technologies to assist international students in preparing for and achieving success in their careers through the new, Insights for Intercultural Career Readiness Program.
“Our goal is to empower international students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's diverse workforce,” says Kristen Ligers, Director of Programs at the Munk School.
The program was awarded an Impact Grant by the University of Toronto’s International Student Experience Fund (ISEF), Prof. Alexie Tcheuyap, Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, International Student Experience adds "Through excellent initiatives like this one, U of T's International Student Experience Fund (ISEF) is achieving institution-wide impact through the shaping, seeding, and amplification of 'local' projects designed to set our international students up for success."
Drawing on the expertise and resources of the Intercultural Skills Lab at Rotman, the program will focus on developing intercultural competence, professional soft skills, and personal branding strategies essential for career success. International students will play a pivotal role in shaping the program's content, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness.
“We aim to address cultural barriers using flexible, online microlearning modules powered by an AI-driven audio and video platform, preparing students during internships, work terms, and beyond.”-
Both the Rotman School and the Munk School are now actively working to launch the program and plan to capture scalability, engagement, and retention metrics throughout the pilot phase to inform future iterations.
The Rotman Intercultural Skills Lab (ISL) will develop content and manage the program, while Rotman School and Munk School staff will support recruitment, particularly focusing on international graduate students.
The Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy unites people who are passionate to address the problems of a fast-changing world. It is home to 14 teaching programs, anchored by two world-leading professional degrees - the Master of Global Affairs (MGA), and the Master of Public Policy (MPP).
For more than 10 years, The Rotman Intercultural Skills Lab has equipped internationally trained professionals with the tools, insights, and real-world experience to advance into new work environments while still channeling the skills and expertise that have shaped their careers so far.
The Rotman School of Management is part of the University of Toronto, a global centre of research and teaching excellence at the heart of Canada’s commercial capital. Rotman is a catalyst for transformative learning, insights and public engagement, bringing together diverse views and initiatives around a defining purpose: to create value for business and society. For more information, visit www.rotman.utoronto.ca
