The Interchange Institute

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The Interchange Institute

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The Interchange Institute is a not-for-profit research and training organization focused on understanding and supporting those who live and work across cultures. We conduct research on the process of intercultural transition, produce publications to assist newcomers to new countries, design and deliver specialized cross-cultural training workshops, and train and consult to professionals in the field.

05/21/2026

This Culture Chat, YOU'RE the presenter.

We're spinning things up with Culture Chat Roulette — no slides, no single speaker. Just a culture prompt, a small group to swap stories with, and a share-back where the magic happens.

The word from another language you wish English had? The food that tastes like home? The moment a cultural assumption tripped you up?

Free · Online · Everyone welcome

04/27/2026

Every time I fly back from visiting home, my suitcase is heavier than when I arrived.

A specific brand of biscuits. A jar of something pickled. The chocolate that doesn't taste right anywhere else.

I've started wondering — did I actually pack this bag, or did my culture pack it for me?

04/13/2026

"I don't feel like I can be myself here."

If you've ever heard (or felt) that, you know it's a productivity killer. Human beings are social animals, but when the environment feels unsafe, we prioritize protection over performance.

It’s time to talk about Creating Belonging.

Join us for our next Culture Chat with Alan Headbloom, whose background working with U.S. immigrants offers us an insight into the essence of belonging, who is responsible for the "vibe" of a team and how we can do better.

Register at https://interchangeinstitute.org/culture-chat

03/26/2026

How do you build unshakeable trust and communication in a diverse team? You send them on a quest!

When we think of team-building, we rarely think of 20-sided dice. But in our upcoming culture chat, "Rolling a Natural 20 as an Interculturalist," we are exploring why Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons are an incredible, untapped tool for workplace synergy.

Join speaker Eric Davis as he breaks down how collaborative storytelling completely transforms team dynamics.

By stepping into new roles and navigating complex narratives together, teams naturally learn how to:

- Break down communication barriers through shared, high-stakes problem-solving.
- Boost empathy by stepping into new perspectives and practicing active listening.
- Reinforce mutual respect by relying on each member’s unique strengths to overcome challenges.

Curious how you can add TTRPGs to your intercultural toolbox? Join us! No prior gaming experience is required—just bring your imagination.

https://interchangeinstitute.org/culture-chat

03/13/2026

For decades, national culture dimensions - popularised by scholars like Geert Hofstede and Erin Meyer - have shaped how we understand cross-cultural differences. But how useful are they in today's complex, global and hybrid work environments?

In this Culture Chat, Brussels-based culture & inclusion specialist Tamara Makoni will lead us on a critical examination of national culture dimensions: the power they hold for promoting understanding, as well as the ways in which they fall short. Drawing on contemporary research and real-world business examples, she will share alternative lenses through which we can understand culture, and invite you to consider how these can better equip leaders and practitioners to bridge differences and collaborate effectively.

By attending, you'll gain a fresh intellectual perspective as well as practical insight for navigating the complexities in today's world.

03/03/2026

Ever wondered - How did K-pop originate in Korea? Why are there so many Dutch DJs in the DJ top 10? Why could Katy Perry's Firework only have been made in America?

Pop music is often dismissed as entertainment: catchy, disposable, and short lived. But look closer and it becomes one of the richest cultural datasets we have. A country's values, history, tensions, and identity all end up in its music, often without anyone intending it.

Join us for our next Culture Chat with Annette van der Feltz, MSc, PCC where we'll move from Gangnam Style to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance, from the Dutch club scene to Bollywood, asking one simple question along the way: what does this sound tell us about where it came from?

You'll leave hearing familiar music in a completely different way.

Culture Chat is free and open to all. New to Culture Chat? Register here > https://interchangeinstitute.org/culture-chat/

02/11/2026

We often train people on how to navigate a new country—language, etiquette, and customs. But what happens when gender norms, power dynamics, and professional identity clash with that new environment?

Many assignees discover that geography is only half the battle. The other half is navigating how who they are intersects with where they are.

Join us for our upcoming Culture Chat: When Culture Isn’t the Only Culture, featuring Dr. Joy Wiggins.

Register at https://interchangeinstitute.org/culture-chat

01/30/2026

What "hat" are you wearing in the training room today?

In Intercultural training, we wear many hats: The Mentor sharing wisdom; The Facilitator holding space; The Guide navigating nuance; and The Coach unlocking potential. But with AI quickly entering the field, our "wardrobe" is changing.

The Interchange Institute invites you to our next Culture Chat "Trainer Modalities in the IC Training Room" with our guest speaker Sharon Nakpairat.

Register at https://interchangeinstitute.org/culture-chat

01/13/2026

Stop guessing. Start asking. 🇦🇪

In the UAE, the most important part of a meeting often happens before the meeting starts. Small talk isn't "filler"—it’s a signal of respect. But as Emirati society evolves, so do the rules of engagement. If you’re worried about saying the wrong thing or overstepping, you aren’t alone.

Join our next Culture Chat: “Ask Me, Don’t Assume”

We are exploring why modern conversation in the UAE is about intention and humility rather than just following a script. Learn how to ask better questions and build real trust with Emirati colleagues and friends.

-culture

12/03/2025

Cultural training needs to be engaging, and that's where gamification comes in. We’re excited to welcome speakers Michael Gates and Ulf Änggård to our next Culture Chat: “Creating Online Cross-Cultural Games: an Example of Using AI in Material Creation.”

This session will highlight how AI can fast-track the development of powerful online cross-cultural games, provide insights into building effective online learning tools and provide practical tips you can use to start designing your own interactive games.

We hope you can join us!

Address

Brookline, MA
02446

Website

http://www.interchangeinstitute.org/

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