Over the course of a month, a group of Student Ambassadors from across King’s set out to spark a university-wide conversation about belonging, inclusion and how we can communicate more effectively across our differences.
Cultural Competency is defined at King’s as the ability to view the world through the lens of others, in all their diversity. Through pop-up stalls, digital content, talks and giveaways across five campuses, including KCLSU spaces, university gyms and lecture theatres, Student Ambassadors encouraged the King’s community to reflect on how people experience the world differently through culture, identity, lived experience and ways of thinking.
Through these discussions students explored how greater awareness of different perspectives can shape more inclusive behaviours and strengthen connections across communities.
Taneesha Suhas Paranjape, a Student Ambassador who worked on the campaign, said:
“We interacted with such a diverse range of audiences and students from across King’s, and the conversations we had about Cultural Competency were different each time. The medical students, for example, were mostly interested in Cultural Competency around patient care, while others were more interested in making friends and learning about other cultures.”
Dr Shuangyu Li Reader in Clinical Communication and Cultural Competency and Director of King’s Cultural Competency, said:
“It has been encouraging to see students engage so openly with conversations around identity, belonging and communication across difference. The campaign demonstrated the value of creating visible and approachable opportunities for students to explore Cultural Competency beyond the classroom and really begin to think about professionalism and employability early in their programmes.”
The campaign also raised awareness of the Cultural Competency Student Kickstarter, a free, self-paced online course available through KEATS. Open to students across King’s, the course introduces the foundations of cultural competency and helps learners develop practical skills for working in an increasingly interconnected world. Since its launch in 2021, more than 6,000 students have completed the course.
Alongside the Kickstarter, the Department of Interdisciplinary Humanities offers a range of Cultural Competency programmes for students and staff, covering topics including professionalism, multiculturalism, leadership and interdisciplinary working, including an dedicated undergraduate module in Cultural Competency.
Professor 'Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President (International, Engagement and Service), said:
“We live in an interconnected world and have a diverse student community, so understanding each other and learning how to communicate across our differences is essential. For students, developing cultural competence builds the confidence, empathy and awareness they need to grow both academically and personally, and to prepare for life beyond university.”