Name
Designing Generative AI Simulations to Scale Intercultural Competency Training
Date
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM (PDT)
Description

Intercultural competency is a critical graduate attribute, yet scaling authentic, low-stakes roleplay scenarios for diverse student cohorts remains a significant challenge. Traditional methods often rely on peer-to-peer simulations, which can lack the specific cultural nuance required for high-level training. This interactive workshop proposes a transformative solution: utilizing Generative AI (GenAI) as a dynamic pedagogical partner.

Grounded in an "instructors as innovators" framework, this session moves beyond basic prompting to explore how educators can build sophisticated AI exercises tailored to specific learning goals. Participants will explore three specific AI modalities: roleplay simulations, where students rehearse adaptability with high-context AI personas; goal play scenarios, where students "teach" an AI character about cultural norms; and reflective mentoring, where an AI coach provides formative feedback on cross cultural communication styles.

Learning Outcomes
  • Design structured GenAI prompts that simulate cross-cultural interactions using "roleplay" and "goal play" frameworks to foster experiential learning.
  • Apply the "AI Mentor" persona to provide students with immediate, formative feedback on their intercultural communication strategies.
  • Evaluate the risks of AI bias in cultural representations and develop strategies to help students act as the "human in the loop" who critically assesses AI outputs.
Session Streams
Indigenization and Intercultural Perspectives, Teaching, Instruction, and Internationalizing the Curriculum
Brian Leacock