As an international student in Canada and Australia, Josie Jiang experienced culture shock, challenging learning environments, and language barriers.
At the same time, she found opportunities to immerse herself in different cultures, reflect on interesting perspectives, explore her identities, and build resilience.
Jiang was born in China and moved to Canada in 2012. Her experiences abroad led to her fascination with Intercultural Communication Competence, where she learned about bridging relationships and the communicating effectively in complex cultural circumstances. Jiang achieved her master’s degree in Intercultural and International Communication and continued her training as an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator and certified executive coach.
Today, she calls Vancouver Island home and is the senior manager of the International Student Program for the Comox Valley School District while also teaching Intercultural Communication Competence at Royal Roads University.
Jiang and Greg Kochanuk, the district principal for the Comox Valley International Student Program and also an IDI Administrator, will be the guest facilitators at the Welcoming Communities Coalition’s next event, the 2024 Collaboratory on January 23.
“Many communities and organizations in Canada are prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI),” Jiang says. “These three words are highly connected and are linked to mastering the critical skillset of Intercultural Communication Competence.”
Jiang and Kochanuk believe that anyone can develop this skillset. They say that the upcoming workshop will help participants answer the questions: What is my role in making my community a more welcoming place, and how can I help create a more inclusive environment for everyone?
The Coalition, hosted by The Immigrant Welcome Centre, invites community members to dig into this important work by registering for the event. Jiang says the interactive session will be lively and built on real-life stories interwoven with applied concepts.
The 2024 Collaboratory is in-person from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dove Creek Hall in Courtenay and includes lunch by LUSH Valley. Following the Intercultural Communication Competence session, the Coalition will present its latest research around immigration and settlement successes and challenges in both Campbell River and the Comox Valley.
All participants will take an Intercultural Development Inventory survey prior to the workshop, and the group’s overall profile will be examined and built upon together. Tickets are $25 + GST and registration is required by Jan. 9 at https://bit.ly/2024Collaboratory.
Anyone who is interested in more information about the event can contact Coalition coordinator Julie Keumbehdjian at julie.keumbehdjian@immigrantwelcome.ca or call 250-338-6359.