Intercultural PR: What you really want to know about the IIC Program

What you really want to know about the IIC program- Annetta Crecelius

Let me begin by saying that everyone’s experience is different and I am simply sharing some of my experiences in the hopes that you may learn from them.

Uh, Grad School is Expensive

First of all, as you are probably already aware, grad school is expensive. Take the time to “Know Before You Owe,” compare the cost of tuition to the amount of financial aid. And, check out the government’s tips on figuring out the best loan repayment plan. Help you help yourself. Get started with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Office of Financial Aid’s Scholarship Search, and by asking about IIC specific scholarships. Make an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your options.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

The IIC program sounds perfect for you, right? Well, you don’t really know until you ask. Take advantage of the opportunity to talk to current students. Ask around. Find out as much as you can about the program before you get started. Not only will this help you make your decision about applying, but it will also help you navigate the program if you decide to pursue it.

It’s Flexible, Like a Gymnast

The beauty of the IIC program is that you can tailor it to fit a wide variety of careers, including public relations, digital media production and journalism, government diplomacy, international education or study abroad, and the list goes on. One of the unique aspects of the program is that it is split between the Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies and the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. On the positive side, you get to decide which classes you want to take. On the down side, it is difficult to get into Korbel classes. You should be prepared with A, B and C options. But like any degree, you get out of if what you put into it.

Well, That’s Not What I Expected

News flash, you’re going to be writing a lot, so you might want to brush up on your skills. Be prepared for a massive amount of reading. Also, in some classes, you’ll have projects that you absolutely love and feel are completely relevant to real-world experience. And, in some classes, you’ll feel like grad school is a big waste of time and money. I think it really depends on your preference for theoretical or applied study, as well as your professors. Ask around to see if anybody has taken a class you’re interested in or which professors are their favorites. Lastly, class schedules are not well-suited for those working full-time while taking classes. Luckily, I have a very understanding boss that has allowed me to manipulate my work schedule to fit my school schedule. Be prepared for some early morning and afternoon classes or be prepared to have limited options for night classes.

The Best Part Is

If you are really interested in a deeper awareness of all cultures, other nations, and even, a better understanding of yourself, then this is the program for you. You will be challenged to see the world through a different lens. You will be challenged to question your own perceptions. Your classmates will become allies, friends and colleagues. Together, you will share stories and experiences that will further propel your education. You may be intimidated at first, but know that every single person shares the same fear.

Student Spotlight: David Boggs

IIC Student Spotlight

David Boggs

1) What undergraduate college did you attend? Where?
 

I went to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ.  

 

2) What was your undergraduate focus?

Starting out on a music scholarship for Trombone Performance, I switched to History my second year.  I ended up graduating, though, with a BA in German Language and Literature after an intensive study abroad program in Konstanz, Germany.

3) How did you become interested in the IIC Program?
 

I became interested in the IIC Program while I was living in Istanbul, Turkey, teaching English.  I had just finished my Peace Corps service in Armenia the year before, and knew that I wanted to study in a field that dealt with cross-cultural studies, public relations, and international relations.   I also wanted to get a degree that would propel me into the international field.  The IIC program had everything I was looking for.

4) What is your favorite place where you've traveled/lived so far?

Turkey is probably the most interesting place I've traveled and lived.  Filled with ancient wonders of the world, including Greek and Roman ruins, the minarets that dot the sky-line, open bazaars that line the roads and inviting people offering tea and coffee are enough to make you feel like you're on the adventure of a life time.

5) Do you have a dream job? What?

I could see myself working as a cross-cultural trainer and advisor, but I would ultimately like to work as a Foreign Service Officer or with the UN.  Something international that can have a positive influence on policy and change.

6) What is your favorite part about the IIC program thus far (i.e. favorite class)?

I like the diversity and range of classes offered.  I've been able to develop a strong base in PR and communications this year that will help enhance my course work in Korbel and my international studies courses.

7) Anything else you would like to share?

I'm just an average guy that enjoys hiking, biking, brewing and hanging out with my dog!

Great News! David recently began his internship.

"This quarter, I just started my new internship with Alumni Relations. The official title is Alumni Communications Assistant, and I work closely with the Communications Director, the Donor department and the staff that manages event planning and print media. I was brought on to help organize the recent venture into Social Media and developing a strategic approach to its management. I also work closely with event planning in regards to coordinating messaging tactics and reaching out to our Alumni. I do some work with graphic design as well as I assist in updating new forms and organizing and updating our photo collection for use in print and online media.  One of my favorite projects I've worked in thus far is going through special collections and identifying photos and articles from DU's old publications to use for the big 150th anniversary events.  It's going to be a busy year, but full of interesting and unique projects."

Intercultural PR- Why Involve Culture in Communication Studies?

Why Involve Culture in Communications Studies?- Yessenia Onac

When I started classes for my degree of International and Intercultural Communication (IIC) I honestly did not know what to expect. All I knew was that I wanted a career that involved other cultures and getting to explore them and learn from them. As I sat through a public relations (PR) class, culture was brought up in one of the articles and in class we discussed the significance of including culture in PR strategies. This was in one of the articles, “Whether one is conscious of it or not, culture has a deep impact on the way every human behaves, and that includes the way we communicate with fellow human beings in both interpersonal and organizational settings” (Sriramesh, 2004, p. 15). This sentence stood out for me in the fact that I have lived my life as such. As a third culture person, I had to constantly be aware of American culture along with my own Mexican culture. It was crucial for me to understand how to communicate with others outside of my culture, like knowing that Americans didn’t take formality as seriously when speaking to elders (however a few did require respectful communication like older teachers, principals, police, etc.); I had to learn to distinguish being overly friendly as is customary in Mexican culture and learning not to invade American’s “personal space.” Not everyone is born into the same situation of growing up learning to deal with different cultures, even though culture is everywhere whether we realize it or not as the article states. PR is just one of many formats of communication that is heavily influenced by culture; PR campaigns have to vary from region to region because a slogan may not be interpreted the same way in both places, it may not even have the same language! It is because of this, knowing culture is so important at an individual or international level, that IIC is a great degree for those passionate about culture and want to strengthen their communication skills and culture awareness in various ways.

Resources

Sriramesh, Krishnamurthy. (May 2004). Culture and Public Relations: Formulating the Relationship and its Relevance to the Practice. Culture and Public Relations: Links and Implications. 9 – 19.