Fawaz Khalid | MSc Engineering Business Management 2024 - 2025

What drew you to the intercultural training programme in the first place (as facilitator/as student or both)? / Why was it important to you?

I was drawn to the intercultural training programme because I wanted to improve my communication skills and feel more confident engaging with people from different cultural backgrounds. From the very first session, the workshops were enjoyable and engaging, offering a refreshing change from the usual pace of university coursework.

The programme was particularly important to me because my course was highly diverse, with students from many different cultural backgrounds, and I wanted to reflect on how I communicated to make sure my interactions were respectful, inclusive, and effective. The relaxed and open learning environment encouraged discussion, reflection, and active participation, allowing me to step away from academic pressures while still developing practical skills that are genuinely useful beyond university. As an added bonus, the training also contributed towards the Warwick Award, making it a rewarding experience alongside my studies.

How has Warwick’s intercultural training programme helped or supported you (as facilitator/as student or both)?

Warwick’s intercultural training programme has had a direct and lasting impact on how I approach communication, particularly in diverse environments. It helped me become more self-aware and encouraged me to pause and reflect on how my words might be interpreted by others, allowing me to communicate more thoughtfully and respectfully.

This became especially clear during a recent job interview, where I was asked how I would communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds. I was able to draw on what I had learned during the training, explaining how it had helped me develop a mental “filter” to double-check my language and avoid causing unintentional offence, as well as recognising the importance of this approach when working within diverse teams. The interviewer responded very positively to this answer and later highlighted it as one of the strongest responses they had heard, noting that it demonstrated an approach that was directly applicable to the company’s diverse operating environment.

This experience reinforced the practical value of the training and showed how relevant these skills are beyond university, particularly in professional and real-world settings.

What was the most memorable or important thing you learned from the intercultural training programme (as facilitator/as student or both)?

One of the most memorable aspects of the intercultural training programme was seeing how much value different perspectives can add during group discussions and team activities. Working alongside people with varied cultural backgrounds broadened my understanding and encouraged me to approach problems from angles I hadn’t previously considered.

Listening to how others interpreted situations, communicated ideas, or approached tasks differently helped broaden my thinking and challenged some of my assumptions. It reinforced the idea that diverse perspectives don’t just change conversations, they actively lead to more thoughtful, creative, and well-rounded outcomes. This has stayed with me and continues to influence how I approach teamwork, both academically and professionally.

How has the training helped you navigate life as a student at Warwick / your career?

Warwick’s intercultural training programme has had a lasting impact on how I approach communication, both as a student and in professional settings. It helped me become more self-aware and encouraged me to pause and reflect on how my words might be received by others, particularly in diverse environments. This has been especially valuable at Warwick, where collaboration with people from different cultural backgrounds is a regular part of academic life.

The relevance of the training became particularly clear during a recent job interview, where I was asked how I would communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds. I was able to draw directly on the programme, explaining how it had helped me develop the habit of double-checking my language so that I communicate clearly and respectfully without unintentionally causing offence. One of the interviewers later highlighted my response to the rest of the panel, noting how impressed they were, which reinforced the real-world relevance and practical value of the skills developed through the training.

This experience showed me that the training goes beyond theory and is genuinely transferable, supporting both my studies at Warwick and my development in professional environments. It gave me confidence that the skills I gained through the programme will continue to support me as I progress in my career.

Why should other students get involved with the programme (as facilitator/as student or both)?

I would strongly encourage other students to get involved with the intercultural training programme because it offers a rare balance between personal development and practical value. The programme is a refreshing change from traditional academic learning. It offers a chance to step away from coursework pressures while still being productive and learning something meaningful. The sessions are engaging, interactive, and enjoyable, making it a great way to take a break from assignments without feeling like you’re switching off entirely.

The programme is especially valuable when it comes to employability. In interviews, employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and demonstrate cultural awareness. Taking part in the training gives you real experiences and examples to draw on, helping you articulate how you approach working with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. This can give you a clear edge, particularly as most organisations operate in diverse team environments.

Overall, the programme helps you develop skills that set you apart, not just academically, but as a well-rounded individual who is prepared to work effectively in diverse, real-world environments. It’s an engaging, rewarding experience that supports both personal growth and professional readiness, making it a worthwhile addition to university life.