Intercultural Management Institute | Skills Institute Testimonials

Feedback from Former Skills Institute Participants

Creative Arts and Intercultural Conflict Resolution with Michelle Lebaron, Fall 2011

"The movement exercises helped bring the somatic back into learning. This was a lesson that I believe is crucial to introduce in conflict resolution."

“The most helpful portion of this institute was the tour of the Hirshhorn w/Fanchon Silberstein and the discussion on symbolic meaning/communication through the ads.”

“I like the instructor’s expertise, attitude, inclusivity.”


Intercultural Training and Facilitation with Ray Leki, Fall 2011

“The instructor is more than an expert he is really full of knowledge.”

“Ray is fantastic, very accessible, and knowledgeable.”

“I appreciated going over the training model and understanding it as a practice tool to take back with us. Also, being able to identify our own learning styles and being made to feel a sense of safety and recognition/ acknowledgment of how we may understand/ process info was helpful.”

“The most helpful portion of this institute was the analysis/macro/micro model for setting up training sessions. Group projects were helpful because it was good practice + actually relevant to cross-cultural training.”


Personal & Organizational Security in a Global Age with Ray Leki, Spring 2012

“Mr. Leki’s personal experience with these issues gave the entire program authenticity and credibility. I also appreciated the concrete examples of steps to take (emotional as well as logistical) before moving abroad particularly to dangerous places.”

“Learning about the basis of what safety and security are, was extremely helpful. I feel like I gained insight, especially about how to behave personally to offset our environment. Sharing personal stories and experience also helped make the material feel realistic.”


Intercultural Leadership Competence with Bram Groen, Fall 2011

The most helpful portion of the institute was…

“It emphasizes the social and cultural components about decision-making policy.”

“Videos, the process, the dimensions of culture.”

“The breakouts where we were able to practice problem-solving/ reconciliation skills, with real world problems.”

“The practice of the dilemma situations and the simulation activity.”


Building Mediator Capacity in a Multicultural Context with Gururaj Kumar and Jared Ordway, Fall 2011

“I enjoyed the role play- putting mediation into action. Good job setting expectations/agendas. Good humor & personal stories.”

“Good balance and co-facilitation skills.”

“Demonstration, practice through simulations, overview of cultural differences & importance of : “it’s about the parties, not you” & good handouts!”


Multinational Teambuilding with Lance Descourouez, Spring 2012

“Overall inspiring and thought provoking.”

“I will apply the exercises we conducted in class to future team building efforts!”

“The most helpful portion of this institute was …bringing in ‘real world’ examples throughout the lecture + in the form of guest speakers.”


Gaming Simulations and Experiential Exercises for Intercultural Training with Dr. Gary Weaver and Dr. Gary Wright, Spring 2011

“Great simulations and the following discussion prompted so much real and thoughtful processing. Khan and Red/Blue were great and my favorite.”

“I enjoyed the experiential elements.”

“I really enjoyed this training and encourage the efforts to create a certificate program. Sign me up! I learned more about my participatory style than previously expected. It was also instructive to watch how people acted under “high” pressure situations and the Ridge High module was excellent at pointing out where one can de-escalate a situation. Now the question is how to foster and execute that skill.”


International Student Advising with Dr. Fanta Aw, Fall 2011

“Great, practical subject matter! Fanta is amazing; I would take anything she teaches.”

“Dr. Aw is a highly knowledgeable, compassionate and gifted teacher. I wish all my profs demonstrated her ability to retain factual information and present in a tangible practical way.”

“I think the immigration and the ethics review were most helpful to me. They were very detailed and gave a great deal of helpful information.”


Presentation Skills with Dan Deming, Spring 2012

“Dan was absolutely fantastic. Right mix of supportive and challenging! The question game was hilarious. He really took the time to work with every single person until they improved, sometimes achieving dramatic changes.”

“I liked the part about presenting to different cultures, as well as the tips on creating an effective PowerPoint. Also the video on Dr. Fox.”

“It was really helpful to get out of my seat and actually practice throughout the class. There was a good balance between practical participation and lecture.”

Managing International Student Exchange Programs with Dr. Fanta Aw, Fall 2009

"This will help me market myself, be much more competitive with those graduating from more theoretical focused programs... My expectations were exceeded, thank you!"