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Cross Cultural Communication


Program: Intercultural Ally Certificate Program (formerly Global Competence Certificate Program)
Presenter: Kati Von Lehman, Assistant Director of Outreach and Assessment
Office of International Services
Workshop Type: Virtual
Date: 11/20/2025
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Who Should Attend: All Faculty and Staff

Communicating thoughtfully and successfully with colleagues from cultures other than our own can begin with learning about varying communication styles and expectations. This session will provide an understanding of ways that communication varies across cultures, help participants to recognize those differences, and provide strategies to bridge communication styles. This session will count towards the Electives Track 1: Cross-Cultural Module of the Global Competence Certificate Program.





Intercultural Competency Basics


Program: Intercultural Ally Certificate Program (formerly Global Competence Certificate Program)
Presenter: Kati Von Lehman, Assistant Director of Outreach and Assessment
Office of International Services
Workshop Type: Virtual
Date: 10/23/2025
Time: 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Who Should Attend: All Faculty and Staff

Working and providing services in a diverse environment requires a knowledge and understanding of cultural differences, values, and behaviors. This fun, yet informative, session will help participants gain understanding to enhance the quality of their interactions with international and diverse students, faculty, and staff at the University and elsewhere.





Intercultural Competency Basics


Program: Intercultural Ally Certificate Program (formerly Global Competence Certificate Program)
Presenter: Kati Von Lehman, Assistant Director of Outreach and Assessment
Office of International Services
Workshop Type: Virtual
Date: 11/11/2025
Time: 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Who Should Attend: All Faculty and Staff

Working and providing services in a diverse environment requires a knowledge and understanding of cultural differences, values, and behaviors. This fun, yet informative, session will help participants gain understanding to enhance the quality of their interactions with international and diverse students, faculty, and staff at the University and elsewhere.





Understanding Brazil


Program: Intercultural Ally Certificate Program (formerly Global Competence Certificate Program)
Presenter: Luis Van Fossen Bravo, Interim Associate Director, Center for Latin American Studies
University Center for International Studies
Workshop Type: Virtual
Date: 12/11/2025
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Who Should Attend: All Faculty and Staff

Learn about the history, politics, language and culture of Brazil. Discover how this community’s engagement at Pitt and in Pittsburgh has shaped our commitment to embracing the world. Experts from the University Center for International Studies (UCIS) will share best practices for supporting students, scholars, community members and visitors from this part of the world.





Understanding the Visa Menu


Program: Intercultural Ally Certificate Program (formerly Global Competence Certificate Program)
Presenter: Delo Blough, Director
Sarah Geisler, Assistant Director of the Employment Team
Office of International Services
University Center for International Studies
Workshop Type: Virtual
Date: 12/2/2025
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Who Should Attend: All Faculty and Staff

Pitt’s Office of International Services is responsible for processing visa paperwork for Pitt affiliates, and it is important for individual University units to have knowledge of visa types and their use as well. This session explores the various visa sponsorships commonly seen in a university setting. We will look at the type of visa, the restrictions and benefits of each visa, and alternatives to each visa type. This is an important session for anyone who works with international students, researchers, and employees.