Intercultural PR- Importance of Identity With Communication

Importance of Identity With Communication- Yessenia Cano

            Have you ever pondered in all seriousness who you are? What kind of identity do you identify with and why? In one of our communications class the professor gave us an exercise to write down at least ten major factors that make up our identity, and I must say, it was a very difficult exercise to complete. It was difficult because it was hard to put my identity in words and to specify factors that influenced my identity. In Curtin et al’s article they discuss how identity is formed through relations with others and heavily influenced by daily situations that will constantly be changing our identities. So why is identity important for communications in general? It’s important, in my opinion, because you have to be aware of who you are yourself in order to have a connection with others and to have successful communication. Especially in intercultural and international communications where the different customs and ideals might challenge you, having a strong sense of your identity will help you be more open to others and will even help strengthen your identity. To have meaningful communication with others they usually want to understand you fully, so how would they be able to understand you if you yourself have issues with your identity? I discuss this from a personal level because I myself have identity issues from being a Third Culture child and sometimes I find myself having trouble connecting with others, but communications classes are teaching me and broadening my knowledge to learn and strengthen my communication skills that will help me also find my true identity.

Resources

Curtin, A. Patricia, Gaither, T. Kenn. (2009). Contested Notions of Issue Identity in International Public Relations: A Case Study. Journal of Public Relations Research. V. 18, 1. 67 – 89.

Intercultural PR- Is a Truly Global PR Campaign Possible?

Is a truly global PR campaign possible?

In our International and Intercultural Public Relations class, we were asked to evaluate a case study of a public relations campaign, assessing the strengths, weaknesses and overall success of the campaign. I chose the WWF ‘Earth Hour’ International PR campaign that won Best International PR Campaign at the Cannes Lions 2009.

In brief, the campaign sought to promote lasting change and positively impact the environment by asking the world to switch off its lights for one hour on March 28, 2009. The movement began in Australia in 2007, went global in 2008, and in 2009, the campaign was transformed into a “vote” (by switching off your lights) for international leaders to take action against climate change. The main goals were to reach 1 billion+ people, 50+ countries and over 1000 cities and to influence global leaders to address global warming.

As an international campaign, the WWF had to appeal to things that are common among all cultures, taking a culture-general approach. With globalization, commonalities are often linked to the English language, and more Western norms and customs. Therefore, taking the approach of a democratic election and using English as the base language appealed to the largest audience. However, in doing so, the campaign was limited in its reach. Not only did it alienate non-democratic and non-English speaking countries, but it also relied heavily on social media, excluding countries with little or no Internet access.

The WWF’s biggest success was releasing control of the campaign and putting the resources in the hands of individuals to deliver the message in culturally appropriate ways that appealed to people like them. One suggestion for improvement would be to take a more holistic approach to the issue of climate change. Perhaps choose specific issues from regions all around the world and then, playing off the success of interactivity, ask communities to share what climate change means to them or how it has affected their livelihood.

So, while I believe that WWF did an excellent job on this campaign, I do not believe that it was truly global. What do you think could have made it more inclusive?

Student Spotlight- Adam Stuart

IIC Student Spotlight

1) What undergraduate college did you attend? Where?

I achieved a BBA from The Eastern Michigan University's College of Business

2) What was your undergraduate focus?

My focus was in Information Technology and Systems Management, with a minor in Psychology

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

I had been searching Peace Corps Fellows programs for a unique mix between International Studies and Journalism, and having lived in Colorado before Peace Corps, I was especially drawn to Denver.

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

I usually answer that Turkey is my favorite place to visit.  I used to love Italy for many of the same reasons, including excellent food, a Mediterranean climate, mountains, history, and a complex cultural component; however, the commercialization of Italy under the European Union is homogenizing much of the best of Italy.  My favorite place to live, although I stayed for several months in Istanbul, will likely always be my little village of Chisenga in Northern Malawi, where I served in the Peace Corps.

6) Do you have a dream job? What?

My dream job would be to run a specialized NGO here in the United States, the details of which are still being hashed out.  Either that, or I would love to be an international journalist.

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

Professor Thompson's class is extremely engaging and a wonderful foundation in communications for a non-communications undergrad.  Just the same, my favorite class at Korbel has been Conflict Resolution with Karen Feste where we simulated a live, 8 hour negotiation between delegations of Palestine, Israel, the Russian Federation, The EU, and others.

8) Anything else you would like to share?

I'm thinking of taking the documentary film making class in order to get some hands on experience going along with some journalism, too.  However, a class in investigative journalism or photography for journalists would be amazing!

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.

IIC Student Spotlight- Samantha Koch

IIC Student Spotlight

Samantha Koch

RPCV Mozambique, 2011-2013

1) What undergraduate college did you attend? Where?

The University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa

2) What was your undergraduate focus?

Major: Geography
Minor: Spanish

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

I fell madly in love with a class during my undergrad, "Intercultural Perspectives," and I asked the professor if she knew of any graduate programs of a similar subject matter with which I could blend my interest in public health.  She gave me a list of grad programs and after a little research, I realized that DU's IIC program was the best fit. 

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

In the States: Washington D.C.  I interned at Peace Corps Headquarters for three months in 2010, and my 21-year-old self thought I could live out my yuppie years here.  I greatly appreciated the cosmopolitanism, the near absence of political apathy, as well as the eclectic culture, activities and people.  I actually cried the night before I flew back to Iowa to finish my bachelor's.

Out of the States: Mozambique.  Never before have I met such nurturing and hospitable people, eaten outstandingly flavorful food from the simplest ingredients, or taken in the beauty of vast, white sandy beaches.  

Continuing to travel is a major dream of mine.

5) Do you have a dream job? What?

I suppose I always imagined myself working in Behavior Change Communications (BCC) for an organization like Population Services International (PSI), since behavior change and reproductive health have been my focus for the last few years.  Honestly, I'm open.

6) What is your favorite part about the IIC program thus far?

I've been so fortunate to have an intelligent, diverse and friendly cohort and faculty.  I'm also excited about next quarter's classes. 

7) Anything else you would like to share?

I finished my Peace Corps Service in late July and returned to the States mid-August.  Returning from ex-patriot life comes with a readjustment process and potentially some challenges.  Thus far, I've eased back into life in the states.  I've discovered how life has changed here (especially in a technological sense), and I'm still discovering how I have changed.  Overall, it's been fairly easy to get back into the swing of life here even though all I can think about is where I'll go next.