Training Sessions for Staff

Ireland’s higher education campuses are vibrant, diverse communities that benefit greatly from the presence and contributions of international students. Recognising and supporting this diversity is essential to creating inclusive environments that support belonging, engagement, and success for all students. 

ICOS offers intercultural and inclusion-focused training to help staff strengthen awareness, communication, and confidence in supporting international and intercultural student communities. 

Sessions are interactive and reflective, with small groups (up to 30 participants) to encourage discussion, shared learning, and practical application. 

Introduction to Intercultural Awareness and Communication and Developing your Intercultural Awareness and Communication are suitable for both student support staff and academic staff; while Teaching and Learning in an Intercultural Context is aimed specifically at academic staff.  

Training can be delivered online or in person and tailored to meet the needs of specific departments or teams. 

For more information or to book a session, contact training@icosirl.ie

Training courses available are: 

Introduction to Intercultural Awareness and Communication

Delivered as a half-day (3-hour) or shortened 1.5-hour interactive workshop for up to 30 participants.

  • €600 (ICOS member rate) for up to 30 participants
  • €900 (non-member rate) for up to 30 participants
  • For larger groups, delivery may take place across two sessions or at an adjusted rate. Please contact ICOS to discuss options. 

Standard travel and subsistence expenses apply for in-person delivery. The host institution provides the venue, training equipment, and refreshments. 

This session introduces key concepts of intercultural awareness and communication for staff working in higher education. Participants explore how cultural values and assumptions influence behaviour and interaction, reflect on their own communication styles, and learn practical tools for engaging effectively across cultures. 

Through discussion and case studies, participants gain insight into how small cultural misunderstandings can affect student support and wellbeing, and how intercultural awareness can enhance every aspect of campus life

All staff who interact directly with students, including: 

  • Student advisers and administrative staff.
  • Front-of-house and support staff (reception, security, catering, accommodation).
  • Student-facing staff in international, academic, or welfare roles

To strengthen intercultural awareness among staff, enhance communication and inclusion across the institution, and contribute to an improved experience for international students while recognising the value of their presence and contributions to Ireland’s higher education community.

By the end of the session, participants will: 

  • Define key terms related to culture and intercultural communication.
  • Recognise how cultural values shape behaviour and expectations.
  • Identify barriers to effective communication across cultures. 

Teaching and Learning in an Intercultural Context

Delivered as a half-day (3-hour) interactive workshop for up to 30 participants. 

  • €600 (ICOS member rate) for up to 30 participants
  • €900 (non-member rate) for up to 30 participants
  • For larger groups, delivery may take place across two sessions or at an adjusted rate. 

Standard travel and subsistence expenses apply for in-person delivery. The host institution provides the venue, training equipment, and refreshments. 

This session supports academic and teaching staff to create inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environments for international and intercultural student groups. It explores how culture influences classroom dynamics, participation styles, and expectations around teaching, learning, and assessment. 

Participants examine strategies for teaching students whose first language is not English, consider diverse learning styles, and identify practical steps for improving communication, engagement, and assessment fairness. 

The session also recognises the valuable perspectives, experiences, and contributions that international students bring to Irish higher education, highlighting how this diversity can enrich teaching practice, inspire innovation, and enhance learning for all students. 

Academic and teaching staff involved in: 

  • Lecturing, tutoring, or supervising international students;
  • Curriculum design or programme coordination;
  • Teaching mixed groups of international and local students. 

To strengthen teaching and learning practice in culturally diverse classrooms, enhancing the educational experience for international students and recognising the valuable contributions they make to Ireland’s higher education system. 

  • Identify how cultural background shapes students’ approaches to learning and classroom participation.
  • Recognise key challenges faced by international students in academic settings.
  • Explore inclusive teaching strategies for multilingual and multicultural classrooms.
  • Address issues of language awareness, non-verbal behaviour, learning styles, and academic conventions.
  • Reflect on how to create classroom environments that value diversity and recognise the mutual benefits of intercultural exchange. 

Developing your Intercultural Awareness and Communication

Delivered as a half-day (3-hour) or shortened 1.5-hour interactive workshop for up to 30 participants.

  • €600 (ICOS member rate) for up to 30 participants
  • €900 (non-member rate) for up to 30 participants
  • For larger groups, delivery may take place across two sessions or at an adjusted rate. Please contact ICOS to discuss options. 

Standard travel and subsistence expenses apply for in-person delivery. The host institution provides the venue, training equipment, and refreshments. 

This advanced-level session builds on the foundations of intercultural awareness to help staff further develop their communication skills and confidence in multicultural contexts. 

Designed for both academic and non-academic staff, the workshop explores how cultural values, assumptions, and communication styles influence interactions in professional and educational settings. Participants reflect on real-world case studies drawn from higher education, practice strategies for responding to intercultural misunderstandings, and identify practical ways to support inclusion and belonging in everyday work. 

The session also recognises the positive impact and contributions of international students and colleagues, emphasising how intercultural competence benefits not only student experience but also institutional culture and team collaboration. 

  • Academic or non-academic staff with regular contact with international or intercultural student groups.
  • Professional staff in student services, administration, or management roles.
  • Academic staff seeking to deepen their intercultural competence and communication skills. 

To strengthen intercultural competence and communication across higher education institutions, enhancing inclusion, collaboration, and the experience of international students and staff. 

  • Deepen understandings of how culture influences communication, expectations, and relationships in higher education.
  • Apply strategies for managing and resolving intercultural misunderstandings in professional contexts.
  • Develop confidence in communicating across cultures with empathy, respect, and clarity.
  • Recognise how intercultural competence enhances teamwork, inclusion, and service delivery.
  • Reflect on their own communication practices and identify opportunities for continued growth.
  • Appreciate the mutual benefits and positive contributions of international students and staff to institutional life. 

Do you have a more specific training need? ICOS can also deliver tailored workshops which can be developed to meet your staff training needs. For any enquiries, contact us at training@icosirl.ie.

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