To strengthen its commitment as a global educational hub, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) recently held a specialized capacity-building workshop titled “Capacity Building on Intercultural Competence” on Wednesday, April 23, 2026. The event featured Prof. Lisa J. Abendroth, Ph.D., a renowned expert from the University of St. Thomas, as the keynote speaker.

The workshop was designed to equip UIII staff with the essential tools to navigate the complexities of a multicultural campus. As an institution hosting students and faculty from across the globe, the ability to engage respectfully across cultures and manage cross-cultural challenges is critical for fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.

Navigating the “Panic Zone”

During the session, staff members openly discussed the inherent difficulties of communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Participants shared personal experiences and hurdles they face when engaging with international students and faculty members.

Addressing these challenges, Prof. Abendroth introduced the concept of the “Panic Zone”, the space where individuals feel overwhelmed by cultural differences.

“A lot of things can happen in the panic zone,” Prof. Abendroth noted. “The most important thing is knowing yourself. By understanding your own cultural lens and triggers, you can effectively overcome this zone and move toward productive engagement.”

One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the importance of proactive communication over assumptions. Prof. Abendroth cautioned staff against the common pitfall of assuming they already know what international members of the university community require.

“Don’t assume everyone knows what they need, and don’t assume you know what they need as staff of this university,” she advised. “The simplest and most effective strategy is to ask them directly what they need.”

Strengthening UIII’s Global Identity

The workshop concluded with a renewed focus on practical application. By developing intercultural competence, UIII staff are better prepared to:

• Engage respectfully across diverse cultural norms.
• Manage and resolve cross-cultural misunderstandings.
• Foster a truly inclusive international workplace.

This initiative underscores UIII’s dedication to providing a world-class environment where students and staff from all corners of the world feel understood, supported, and empowered.