Fontys and the Brainport region are quickly becoming highly internationalized. The industry demands skilled employees in high numbers. To react to this demand Fontys ICT aims at increasing the number of students who upon completion of their studies will become available on the job market in the region. This increase can be achieved (among others) by attracting and educating international students at Fontys ICT. This implies that Fontys ICT will be becoming more international, with increasing numbers of international staff and students. Simultaneously, all students who start working in the Brainport region will be more often involved in an international working environment. Therefore it is vital that Fontys students and employees are equipped with skills to operate in multicultural (or other culture) work and social environments.
To address this need, Fontys ICT introduces the role of Project Leader on Intercultural Development (PLID). The role vests a number responsibilities that aim at ensuring the development of intercultural skills among students and employees.
With respect to staff, the PLID:
Arranges and offers trainings for staff members to obtain basic and subsequently advanced intercultural skills.
Arranges trainings for teaching staff on teaching materials used in education (when teaching intercultural skills to students). When requested, provides support during teaching activities.
Arranges events and informs colleagues for opportunities to practice intercultural skills and learn about other cultures.
Advises staff members on intercultural issues, incidents, situations. Answers related questions and suggests use of best practices, recommends approaches, etc.
Works on improving the landing and integration of new and existing international colleagues within the Dutch culture and working environment.
Informs and supports staff in applying for and obtaining a Bonus Edubadge on Intercultural Competences.
With respect to students, the PLID
In agreement with the CEs, creates and maintains a development line for students within the curriculum to ensure planned and continuous intercultural development of all ICT students during their education and achieving a common minimal final level.
Creates and maintains Canvas materials for students to be imported by Topic Owners in Canvas courses within all topics offered at ICT.
Works on improving the success- and stay-rates of international students.
Works on improving the landing and integration of international students within Fontys ICT and the Dutch culture and working environment.
Advises and prepares students before going abroad for minors and internships.
Informs and supports students in applying for and obtaining a Bonus Edubadge on Intercultural Competences.
Supports students when they choose for the use of external tooling for their intercultural development (e.g., IDI, Aperian).
Advises students on intercultural issues, incidents, situations. Answers related questions and suggests use of best practices, recommends approaches, etc.
With respect to management, the PLID
Tracks needs of Fontys ICT partners and informs management on trends and needs with respect to intercultural skills, Dutch culture knowledge, Dutch professional culture.
Advises and facilitates high-level management on best practices for multicultural organizations and suggests approaches for Fontys ICT.
Advises and facilitates mid-level management in their work with colleagues from other cultures.
Closely cooperates with Fontys ICT internationalization on pre-departure preparations for students.