CAS Intercultural Coaching

Methodology

CAS is an innovative programme that aims to create an effective dialogue tool for social workers who wish to communicate with non-Italian-speaking migrants in the Ticino region. This course offers basic theatre skills, cultural sensitivity and fundamental communication tools to create an inclusive environment in which migrants and practitioners can interact, share stories and develop a sense of mutual belonging.

The course provides a solid theoretical and practical basis to promote authentic and meaningful dialogue between practitioners and migrants, overcoming language and cultural barriers.

Through a combination of theatre exercises, role-plays and creative activities, CAS encourages practitioners to develop their cultural sensitivity and acquire communication skills to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. Practitioners learn to use body language, verbal and non-verbal expressiveness, as well as to develop the skills of empathic listening and mutual understanding.

The course also addresses issues related to cultural diversity and the specific challenges that migrants may face in the Ticino social context. Through the development of “lateral thinking”, “problem solving” techniques, the exchange of experiences, the sharing of stories and the promotion of empathy, practitioners will be able to create an environment in which migrants and practitioners will feel welcomed, respected and encouraged to express themselves freely.

CAS is a unique opportunity for those who wish to broaden their understanding of intercultural dynamics and improve their skills in communicating with migrants. Participants will be led to explore new perspectives, connect with others in an authentic way and promote positive change in Ticino society through the power of art and inclusive dialogue.

Objectives

• Learning theatrical communication techniques to be used for individual and asylum seeker and refugee personal development;
• Development of “lateral thinking
• Knowledge of one’s own body and its correct use in interaction with others, with a particular focus on interaction with non-native speakers;
• Personal development;
• Expansion of self-awareness;
• Active listening techniques;
• Identification of one’s own talents and tools for asylum seekers and refugees;
• Storytelling techniques to give meaning and value to what is heard;
• Problem solving techniques directly derived from theatre improvisation.

To whom it is addressed

The CAS is aimed at those working in the social sector, job coaches, case managers, social consultants, trainers, youth workers, educators, psychologists, social workers, cultural mediators, integration teachers, but is also open to individuals who, in their private lives, are faced with similar situations and wish to enrich their skills by opening up to new, unconventional forms of communication.

Duration

The course is spread over one year and one month starting in November 2023.

The individual modules are organised in such a way as to fit in with any work commitments. CAS timetables are specified in the calendar.

ENROLLMENT DEADLINE OCTOBER 13, 2023

Certification work 

5-day field experience in a refugee camp and prepare a report. This report documents the activities carried out, observations and reflections that emerged during the field experience:

• Background: Briefly describe the organisation and location of the experiential period, including the sector of activity and work context.
• Objectives: List the specific objectives assigned during the experiential period. These objectives may concern the development of specific skills, the learning of new methodologies or the acquisition of practical knowledge.
• Activities carried out: Describe in detail the activities carried out during the experiential period. Also explain how these activities relate to the objectives set.
• Acquired competences: Discuss the skills acquired during the experiential period. These competences may concern either specific technical skills related to coaching, or transversal skills learnt from theatre, or problem-solving skills.
• Learning and reflection: Reflecting on experiences during the experiential period and discussing what one has learnt. Addressing the challenges encountered, problem-solving strategies and general impressions of the work experience.
• Conclusion: Provide a general conclusion on the experiential period, highlighting the results achieved in relation to the objectives set. Mention any future perspectives related to this experience.
• Appendix: Add any relevant additional documents or materials, such as completed projects, reports or presentations, that support the report.