IC4E training

The IC4E (Intercultural Competence for Exchange) program is a three-part training program designed to help you navigate intercultural challenges that you may face during your exchange. We understand that exchange programs can be challenging, and we want to make sure that you are fully prepared. The IC4E program will help you create realistic expectations about your exchange, make you aware of potential challenges, provide you with coping strategies, and give you the opportunity to learn from returning exchange students. 

It will take approximately seven hours over six months and includes three touchpoints:

• Touchpoint 1: attending one virtual IC4E session offered during the spring term 
• Touchpoint 2: asynchronous participation in a forum while you are abroad 
• Touchpoint 3: a virtual debriefing session after you return 

All students going on exchange are expected to complete this three-part program. 

• Enhanced intercultural preparation and support ahead of your exchange 
• Opportunity to further engage with students while abroad through a forum 
• Guided development of transferable skills applicable to interactions at home, abroad, at the university, and in the workplace 
• Opportunity to share your experience with others when you return 
• Help unpack your learning, identifying and articulating the skills you developed 
• A certificate of completion highlighting your efforts to expand your intercultural skills, which you can list on your CV 

Students will receive an email with further details and instructions to register. For questions about the IC4E program, please contact studyabroad@uwaterloo.ca.