What is Intercultural Studies?
Intercultural studies examines the cultural differences and similarities of people around the world, and workers in this field focus on bridging gaps among communities and providing necessary services. Read on for more information about the educational and career opportunities in intercultural studies.
Intercultural Studies Defined
While studying intercultural studies, you examine how race, culture and other factors impact social interactions. Understanding these barriers allows people around the world to interact and live harmoniously with each other. The purpose of intercultural studies is to further your knowledge of other nations and groups, allowing your own culture to bond and interact with others.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutInterculturalStudies">Important Facts About Intercultural Studies</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Programs </td><td> Internships are available (some are accompanied with study abroad programs)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Concentrations </td><td> Missiology, Urban Ministry, Cultural Anthropology</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Offered for both BA and BS programs</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Certifications are offered by organizations such as the International Mediation Institute</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $119,860 (<i>for all Public Relations and Fundraising Managers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 8% (<i>for all Public Relations and Fundraising Managers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---EducationalOpportunities">Educational Opportunities</h3><p>Intercultural studies is a major that can be studied at a range of educational levels. You could acquire an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in order to gain an entry-level position. A master's degree is generally preferred if you're going to get involved in a managerial or supervisorial vocation. Finally, a doctoral degree is typically necessary if you're going to perform research or teach in the field at the college level.
</p><p>Intercultural studies can be part of other degree programs in the form of minors or specializations. Regardless of which type of program you choose, the information you cover is similar. You examine the factors involved in intercultural studies, such as language, politics, history, sociology, race, ethnicity, nationality and culture. While studying these aspects, you look at issues involving communication differences, discrimination, prejudices, racism and conflict negotiations. You may be able to focus on a particular region of the world and complete a field experience or study abroad program.
</p><h3 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h3><p>With a background in intercultural studies, you have a broad number of career options available to you. For example, you can get involved in a public relations position. In this role, you would reach out to other cultures in an attempt to promote your employer's products or services.
</p><p>You could become a social services worker who visits ethnic communities on behalf of the government. After speaking to locals, you can help determine what issues are impacting and hindering the lives in that community. With that information, you can work with the government to come up with solutions on how to improve living conditions.
</p><p>Finally, you could obtain an education position. This could involve becoming a professor at a university and hosting classes on intercultural studies. It could also entail humanitarian or mission work, visiting world regions and informing others about various cultures and ethnic groups, leading to communities coming together.</p>