Nikhil Kumar Reddy Kannari - WMG

Adapting, Connecting, and Growing: My Intercultural Journey at Warwick

As a first-time international student in the UK, the Intercultural Training Programme quickly became one of the most valuable experiences of my Warwick journey. I began with the Intercultural Awareness Workshop during Induction Week in September 2024. It introduced me to the idea that culture shapes the way people think, work, and communicate. For an international student, the first few days in a new country can feel overwhelming. Sessions like this are a great way to both learn and connect with like-minded people. This made the start of my Warwick experience much smoother.

The Intercultural Teamwork Workshop came next and felt like putting those ideas into practice. Working alongside students from completely different backgrounds showed me that teamwork is not about everyone doing things the same way but about recognising differences and building on them. It equipped me with tools to collaborate with peers from diverse cultures confidently.

Finally, Intercultural Competence Workshop gave me space to reflect on the past few months. It brought all the lessons together and reinforced something that has stayed with me – 'there is no one right way to do things'. Instead, multiple valid approaches must be recognised. The concept of “zones of appropriateness” also resonated with me, highlighting how our comfort zones expand as we adapt, listen, and connect. Altogether, strong and successful working relationships can be built by embracing diversity and finding the common ground.

This programme has made a real difference in how I as a student connected with the university community. It helped me settle in smoothly and supported my responsibilities as a Course Representative. As I represented my diverse cohort by actively listening and working towards the resolution of their grievances. In our group activities, we structured teamwork to maximise our collective strengths and balance out our weaknesses. It made my Warwick experience far more enriching and collaborative. Beyond student life, I see the value of these skills in my career. I aim to work in global supply chains across various cultures, and the lessons from these workshops will continue to guide me.

To conclude, I would encourage other students to take part in these sessions because they are more than just workshops. They are part of the wider opportunities Warwick facilitates for holistic student development. The programme equips students with transferable skills that can be applied across various careers and are especially valuable for those looking to work with diverse workforces. In today’s world, where soft skills are often as important as technical skills, the ability to adapt, empathise, and communicate effectively becomes a key differentiator. This programme plays a vital role in building those capabilities, making it a worthwhile experience for any student.