This interdisciplinary program engages students in a wide range of current issues including:
- cross-cultural relations
- intercultural communication
- cultural diversity
- issues of power, oppression and privilege
Knowledge that you can apply in your community, workplace or around the world to support diversity, inclusion and social change.
The Diploma in Intercultural Studies and Practice (ISP) prepares students to play a productive and socially responsible role in an increasingly multicultural and diverse world. Students will develop skills to support all aspects of cultural diversity, inclusion and social change in their community, their workplace and around the world. The program aims to develop social responsibility and a clearer understanding and awareness of the complex issues at play in a multicultural society.
What is intercultural studies and why is it important?
Explore the program: Diploma in Intercultural Studies and Practice
What you learn in the Diploma in Intercultural Studies and Practice
Upon completion of this program, graduates will have:
- A clearer understanding of the challenges connected with intercultural relations, social justice and cross-cultural communication, and the various approaches to their resolution;
- Better awareness of the complex issues concerning cultural conflicts, racism, power and equality;
- Developed skills to facilitate intercultural relations and cross-cultural communication in the workplace, in the local community, and in international settings;
- Developed skills to assist in reducing conflict and inequality based on racism and ethnocentrism.
Who should take the Diploma in Intercultural Studies and Practice
The ISP program welcomes students from varied backgrounds, including those currently involved in professional and volunteer roles in multicultural and cross-cultural settings, or participants who would just like to increase their knowledge and understanding of current social and culturally-related issues.
The program may be a great choice for current UVic students who would like to complete a concurrent diploma with their undergraduate degree. Students completing an undergraduate degree in the following faculties may explore the possibility of partnering their diploma studies with their undergraduate course work and applying course credit towards both programs:
- Fine Arts
- Human and Social Development
- Humanities
- Business
- Social Science
- Education
Career options
Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:
Who are your Instructors
What do our learners say?
The program, the courses and the practicum have been the highlight of my undergraduate experience. Shifting my employment aspirations and educational goals, IE has opened doors for me I did not know existed and I am excited to walk through them.
Highly recommend the program, and really enjoyed my instructors and program staff.
The Intercultural Education program has given me an opportunity to explore cross-cultural issues and develop greater awareness and identity of the intercultural aspects within myself. Being interdisciplinary, it offers a variety of perspectives and was a great preparation and bridge between my bachelors and graduate program.
The flexibility of the program is great for those pursuing another degree or working. The focus of the program is very wide, so there is something for everyone. I had a great time.
No matter what your degree or career path, I highly recommend all students consider the ISP diploma to enhance their professional practice. I am so thankful I did. The experience was absolutely remarkable and has had a profound impact on my life.
In my first semester, I attended ISP 430 with instructor Robyn Fila. Her teaching style, ability to challenge and engage all students and enhance our understanding of intercultural relationships was amazing.
I understand better who I am and what I want to do in life.
This is real learning for life!
I have learned to look at concepts and complex issues from multiple perspectives.
I learned the value of other perspectives and world viewpoints.
