🌍 Reflecting on the Platinum Rule of Interculturality—“Treat others the way they want to be treated”—brings us back to the heart of intercultural work: fostering respect and understanding in a way that values each individual’s unique perspective. This month, I had the pleasure of leading Benjamin Franklin International School's Leadership Team through a workshop on intercultural awareness. Moments like these underscore the essential role of intercultural competency, particularly in an educational environment like BFIS.
Throughout the session, we explored key intercultural concepts, including the Cultural Iceberg model, which reveals how much of culture lies beneath the surface. Just as with an iceberg, visible cultural traits such as language, dress, and behavior are only a small part of the whole picture; values, beliefs, and thought patterns—often hidden below the surface—profoundly influence our interactions. Understanding this hidden dimension helps us engage more empathetically, moving beyond assumptions to see the deeper layers that shape individuals' worldviews.
Additionally, we discussed the Wheel of Differences, which provides a visual framework for recognizing the many aspects of diversity—such as race, age, socio-economic background—that make each person unique. This model helped the team appreciate their diversity and the broader school community, enhancing its ability to approach differences with curiosity and respect.
We also explored various intercultural dimensions that impact communication and interaction styles, such as direct versus indirect communication, approaches to time, and sense of power & responsibility. These intercultural dimensions deepen the understanding of how cultural backgrounds influence the ways of thinking and acting, which is essential in creating a school culture that is capable of engaging with all perspectives.
A huge thank you to the Leadership Team for their openness and engagement throughout the session! Their commitment to building a school culture rooted in understanding, empathy, and global citizenship is inspiring.
Together, we are nurturing a community where everyone can feel seen, respected, and valued—an environment that not only enriches the students but also prepares them to thrive in an interconnected world.
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