Global Competency Development

Global competence is defined as a combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values, encompassing four capacities, which are strongly interdependent and overlapping:

• The capacity to examine issues and situations of local, global, and cultural significance (e.g., poverty, economic interdependence, environmental risks, conflicts, cultural differences, and stereotypes)
• The capacity to understand and appreciate different perspectives and the world views of others
• The capacity to establish positive interactions with people of different national, ethnic, religious, social, or cultural backgrounds, and gender identities
• The capacity to formulate responses to promote a more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world

Adapted from PISA, 2018

Why do we need global competence?

Global competence is the toolkit that engaged citizens need to address and respond to the world's social, political, economic, and environmental challenges. Much of this work is accomplished collaboratively with people from local communities and distant regions, requiring an understanding of the interdependent nature of global issues and a willingness to work across cultural differences.

Global competence can also boost employability. Effective communication and appropriate behavior within diverse teams are keys to success in many jobs, and they will remain so as technology continues to make it easier for people to connect across the globe (British Council, 2013).

Learning about the issues confronting the world and building relationships with people of different backgrounds adds purpose, meaning, and joy to our lives.

Global Competency Certificate

The Global Competency Certificate (GCC) program is open to students, staff, and faculty, and is designed to provide the structure and space to explore world cultures, examine issues of global significance, and to interact with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Participants will tap into the rich cultural resources of Seattle and Seattle Colleges through four or more of the following activities:

• Attend an event about a gender or sexuality issue
• Attend an event about a global health or sustainability issue
• Attend an event about a social or economic issue
• Attend an international film, theater, or book event
• Attend a religious service or a cultural ritual
• Participate in community service
• Try an international cuisine
• Visit a museum or cultural site

During the 10-week program, participants will:

1. Join small groups comprised of other students, staff, and faculty
2. Choose four or more activities in which to participate
3. Meet in a group to share observations and learning from activity
4. Submit a reflection of your development

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a completion certificate. For students, the certificate will appear on the official transcript. They can note the certificate on their resume, which may boost employability, and the experiences and insights gained through the program may be helpful in job interviews. For staff and faculty, the certificate counts toward professional development on the yearly EEPD.

Note: Successful completion of the program does not imply global competence, as it is not a fixed or finite set of skills and knowledge, but a lifelong process. As such, the GCC program is designed to cultivate the capacities that are critical for lifelong global learning. For more information, or to find out when the next program begins, contact Global@seattlecolleges.edu.

Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI)

Faculty, staff, and students may also find the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessment to be an excellent tool in building intercultural competence and achieving diversity and inclusion goals.