Abstract:

Under the influence of globalization and internationalization processes an increase in cultural diversity occurs in societies and their subsystems. Cultural diversity affects cooperations and living together in ways of migration, mobility and modern communication. This affects societies, institutions and individuals alike. Both in everyday life and in professional contexts cultural diversity can be viewed as a resource and challenge at the same time. The goal of (adult) education is to create learning processes that reinforce positive aspects and that prevent negative effects. From the scientific point of view cultural diversity can be analyzed from different perspectives. Firstly, as a task of a society or as a challenge for educational institutions. Secondly, as a learning target of participants or fields of action of (adult) educators. The focus of the article lies on the professionals in adult education: intercultural trainers.

The article deals with the question of which quality criteria can be considered for the professionalization of intercultural trainers and takes into account how the professionalization takes place in practice. In the first step theory-based qualification criteria in the context of quality, professionalism and cultural diversity are combined to an analytical model, which will be applied to existing training formats in the academic and private sectors. Moreover the article focuses on identifying similarities and discrepancies and presents further perspectives for the scientific and practical work in the professionalization process of intercultural trainers.

Thus, the paper provides methodological, scientific and practice-relevant points of discussion for various international areas of education.

References:
(1) Adler, N. J. (2002). International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior. Ohio: South-Western.
(2) Bolten, J. (2007). Einführung in die interkulturelle Wirtschaftskommunikation. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.
(3) Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture’s Consequences. London: Sage Publications.
(4) Trompenaars, F. and Hampden-Turner, Ch. (2004). Riding The Waves Of Culture. Understanding Cultural Diversity in Business. London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.

Keywords:

Cultural Diversity, Professionalization, Trainers, Internationalization, Quality.