Hello fellow ICIS members,

As a relatively new ICIS member and as a brand new community manager, I want to briefly introduce myself! My name is Austin Pack, and, although I’m from Michigan in the USA originally, I will be moving to Shantou, China for the next couple of years. In my professional life I’ve taught Greek, linguistics, and ESL. My professional interests include intercultural competence (of course), novice teacher training, and teaching English in China. In my free time, I enjoy learning classical and flamenco guitar, playing basketball, and learning photography with my wife and 2-year-old daughter.

One of the things that I want to accomplish as a new community manager is to, with your help, make our online community website a more interesting, helpful resource to further our discussion and learning in regards to teaching culture and intercultural competence.

Here is how I could use your help! There are many individuals who are interested in intercultural competence but may be hesitant to get involved in the discussion and community because they may know little about the subject. I want to compile a list of the most important books and articles on intercultural competence and put it on our community website. Do you have an awesome book or article on intercultural competence that you would like to recommend? If you are able to think of a book or article that has helped shaped your understanding of intercultural competence, then please email it to me.

I sincerely appreciate your help and look forward to getting more involved in the community.

Austin Pack