Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is culture?
Culture can be defined as the sum of beliefs, values, language, expected behaviours, and ways of doing things that are shared by its members.
What is intercultural competence?
Intercultural competence is the ability to use knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable the successful management of cross-cultural interaction.
Where do you train?
I deliver bespoke training in adult education settings in Central London (UK).
What training do you provide?
I provide cultural learning and intercultural competency training, social engagement for creative play, and ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages.
What is applied drama?
Applied drama is the use of methods from theatre for training and creative play.
What is cultural self-awareness?
Cultural self-awareness refers to the ability to articulate how one’s own culture has shaped one’s identity and world view. (Adapted from: Deardorff, Identification and Assessment of Intercultural Competence, 2006)
What are cultural skills?
Cultural skills refers to the ability to use comparative techniques for understanding cultural behaviour and how behaviour may be similar or different across cultures. Cultural skills are abilities to observe, listen to and view others from the perspective of their cultures. They help with developing a culturally informed point of view and with minimising ethnocentrism.
(Adapted from: Deardorff, Identification and Assessment of Intercultural Competence, 2006)
Methodologies used
My work draws on a range of evidence-informed educational and creative methodologies. Methods are selected and combined to suit the needs, backgrounds, and goals of each group. There is no single “one-size-fits-all” approach; instead, delivery is responsive, participatory, and context-sensitive.
Learner-led and bottom-up approaches
Programmes are shaped around learners’ lived experiences and priorities. Participants help identify relevant themes and situations, ensuring content addresses real social, cultural, and communicative challenges. This approach supports agency, relevance, and sustained engagement.
Applied drama and creative methods
Drama and arts-based methods engage participants through experience, discussion, and creative exploration. Techniques include role-play, improvisation, storytelling, skits, dialogues, as well as short films or video clips to prompt reflection on social norms and communication. Activities build peer learning, confidence, and cultural awareness in a low-pressure environment, suitable for diverse language and cultural backgrounds.
Structured language learning (PPP & CLT)
Where language development is a focus, structured approaches support incremental learning and practical communication. PPP introduces, practices, and applies language step-by-step, while CLT emphasizes interaction in real-life contexts such as workplaces, services, or community settings. Feedback is integrated throughout to reinforce learning and confidence.
Agile and responsive delivery
Programmes are iteratively designed. Initial needs assessments inform planning, and ongoing feedback allows pacing and content to be adjusted as the programme develops.
Instructional design and evaluation
Learning aims, activity design, and reflective evaluation underpin all programmes, ensuring participants’ needs are met and experiences inform future delivery.
Embodied cultural learning
This approach focuses on bodily senses and emotional engagement as a lens to understand cross-cultural differences. Using drama, movement, and structured grounding activities inspired by e.g. Meisner, Laban, and Grotowski techniques, participants use embodied awareness to interpret and respond constructively to cross-cultural differences.