Kulttuurikirjon sadonkorjuu / Intercultural Harvest

Abstract

It is an imperative to be globally competent in the increasingly interdependent and interconnected world. On a person-level, global competence is like a toolbox of values, mindsets, skills and knowledge that helps one understand different worldviews, interact effectively in cross-cultural situations, examine local, global and intercultural issues as well as and take actions toward collective welfare. On institutional level networks, joint projects and exchange programs across cultures generate intercultural capacity.

Developing global competence on all levels is a lifelong process that requires curiosity, openness and engagement to divergent cultural experiences and practices. In this compilation of papers, the authors from higher education institutes in Finland, Tajikistan, Japan, Brazil, Romania and France take us around the globe to harvest ripe crops matured in cross-cultural environments, experiences and encounters meaningful to them. The papers display well how multidimensional the intercultural theme is as it allows each author to choose her/his unique perspective to it. The authors have now filled the silos with the most varied and abundant harvest possible which enables readers to recognize all kinds of different and even surprising occasions that can increase and foster cultural awareness and understanding.