Intercultural communication—this is a topic that I really did not pay much attention to, nor did I realize the importance prior to taking a course on this subject matter. This topic encompasses a diverse range of theories and concepts and it is important to be aware of their existence. Whether you are traveling abroad for pleasure or seeking to expand your organization globally, it is important that you are a competent intercultural communicator. Exploring and researching intercultural communication has indeed opened my eyes by helping me to see the world from a different perspective. You will find that you can also learn more about yourself, which yields personal growth. If I had to choose one topic to deem the most valuable, it would be the importance of worldview.
Prior to delving into the world of intercultural communication extensively, I had never sat down and just asked myself, “What is my worldview?” or “How does worldview influence belief systems and the way people interact with others?” However, after taking the time to evaluate and educate myself through intercultural communication course study, I can now answer these questions—if they just so happen to come up in casual conversation. Worldview is a foundational concept. Understanding concepts and theories that encompass intercultural communication stem from having a true understanding of the role of worldview. It is important to understand that everyone has a unique worldview that is shaped by culture and other factors. Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is and accepting others and their beliefs is a valuable trait. It can help you to be more likeable by people of other cultures and more marketable if you are seeking employment abroad.
I feel as though I have truly grown as a person, because I know more. I feel as though I am more powerful, because knowledge is power. I know understand the importance and value of being a competent intercultural communicator. It is my goal to improve because I have plans to travel abroad and I want to make the transition as successful as possible. However, encounters with cultural differences will even arise in our own backyard, here in the United States, in the workplace and everyday life. It is important to know how to handle this successfully. It is easy to become overly consumed with “me, myself, and I” and even fall into the traps of ethnocentrism. That is why it is important to branch out, see new places, try new things, and make a sincere effort to see the world through a new lens.
