From a personal perspective: I have never attended a masterclass that has kept me thinking all day as well as when I left the classroom. I have learned a lot! The six dimension model is really powerful and the explanations of the model were really good. Introducing the language (prohibitive/inhibitive/moral circle) was also very powerful. It really provided me with a tool to discuss cultural differences without the risk of getting too personal and/or killing the discussion…

There was a nice balance in theory and practice and I liked the different work forms (case studies and guided discovery). It was definitely a bonus that we had so many cultures in the classroom! In conclusion, I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone. And I really recommend that the trainers, Loes and Emily provide the course for a wider audience…

Developing my cultural perspectives … and becoming aware of my own cultural biases – what shapes my moral circle… Finding a balance within my moral circle; I highlight these biases, as what I have realized is that core values are always about finding a balance – versus what is right and what is wrong. What is right at an individual level, is not the same as what works within a system or at a society level.

The MTPD was constantly used to connect to one’s own personal experiences and cultural upbringing – how that shapes our thinking and creates conflict where there are culturally different moral codes. We get caught in what is right (from our own moral code) to what is wrong (other cultural codes). The self-reflection is how we find a balance and common ground. The course enhances your self-awareness and mindfulness about how our own moral codes impact on others.

The 3 day immersion created a powerful process at an individual level to develop awareness of how cultural differences can impact on results. (what a person is trying to achieve through dialogue). However the change process at an individual level is impacted by how this is reinforced at a team or departmental level – which in turn is impacted by how this is actively supported across management layers at an organisation level.

Guided discovery was very useful for the learning process. Experiences shared by peers so valuable. Compliments to the organisers for creating this safe environment were people could speak up. I am now aware of my own prejudice/bias attitude towards other cultures. It helped me to recognise my social mores and identify my social circle. Relevant and extensive. Great lectures & ppts, interesting group to work with. I learned not just to recognise cultural differences but also the chance to think about strategies to overcome and work with them. The assignments forced to me reflect on the culture (inhibitive/prohibitive).

I’ve become aware of several dimensions I wasn’t sure how to apply and I can now use them in dialogue with colleagues and students. I am now also more aware of my own inhibitions and moral circle. It gave me a framework which can be applied instantly. Expected to focus on the cultural dimensions, not my own history which connects to own norms and values. This exceeded my expectation.

Guest lecturers Jose & Evelyn from the International Criminal Court was very powerful… and a great addition to the course…Jose is a very talented speaker and it was really insightful to hear how from his personal experience how he is dealing with intercultural (mis)communication every day. This course was above expectations. The personal assessment, very powerful. Above all from guests… I would like to highlight the human aspect, their energy and their focus on improving the world. There is no better or worse, just difference and this course helped me to see the many differ-ent perspectives. I would like to follow up the next level.