Cultural Awareness For Travellers (CATS)

CATS is a lecture-workshop series over 2 terms led by a retired university lecturer in the social sciences. There is one topic per week for one and a half hours. The course is designed to help all travellers to understand their travel experiences so far and to plan future trips with a greater understanding of cultural similarities and differences. It also aims to inform their multicultural relationships here and be more aware of stereotypes which can harm these relationships. Together we will examine a wide range of research from around the world and share our experiences of both success and difficulties in our intercultural communication in a wide range of real situations common to travellers. Similar courses are taught in universities and schools world-wide, by SBS and many industry trainers to employees and the public to improve race relations in the workplace and community and enjoyable and successful travel experiences.

The weekly content will give you an idea of the scope of our program of knowledge and skills to be developed in a relaxed sharing group of learners where we learn from one another as well as the scholars. We begin with an overview of the history of the field of Intercultural Communication and then spend 3 weeks on the sources of culture viz FAMILIES, world views and RELIGIONS and HISTORIES (with many world-wide examples) Then we progress to core cultural VALUES ( referencing the ABC’s recent Australia Talks survey ) and cultural IDENTITY and on to LANGUAGE and Culture and NON-VERBAL communication eg gestures which can be very confusing. This is followed by valuable info about BUSINESS, EDUCATIONAL and HEALTH CARE differences in other countries and proceeds to deal with CHALLENGES like culture shock, stereotyping, prejudice & racism and COUNTRY STUDIES to apply INTERCULTURAL SKILLS like developing empathy, negotiation skills and ethical interactions. A number of countries will be studied in terms of cultural differences and similarities, family differences, core values, political & economic systems and historical, recreational and artistic attractions. We end with a review session and a celebration at a local ethnic restaurant. We hope you will decide to join us on this journey of improving intercultural understanding and enhancing travel experiences.

Anyone interested in opting for these classes should contact Peter Meggitt by emailing [email protected]