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What is the Certificate of Intercultural Engagement?
The ability to communicate and act effectively and appropriately across cultural difference is an essential skill that is sought after in the globalized workplaces of today, whether at home or abroad. Employers seek graduates who are proficient in at least one foreign language and who can successfully navigate the complexities of working with others of different cultures. The Certificate of Intercultural Engagement (CIE) supports UT students of all majors in becoming interculturally competent bridge builders through language study, global knowledge coursework, global engagement activities and study abroad.
Program Benefits
Upon completion of the CIE program requirements, undergraduate students will earn the "Certificate of Intercultural Engagement" notation on their official UT transcript and will receive an official certificate to complement their UT diploma. Students also receive a sash and cords of distinction to wear at graduation. Participation in this program indicates a student’s commitment to academics and the development of intercultural competence.
Where to begin
Visit the coordinator of the CIE to discuss this program opportunity in Plant Hall room 311C or (813) 257-3138.
The majority of program requirements are completed independently. A minimum of two semesters of program participation is required, but more are recommended to experience the most benefit from the program. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible in their collegiate career. The requirements are dependent on a student's particular interests. It is recommended that students meet with the coordinator of the CIE prior to submitting the program application to assess program qualifications.
Students should refer to the CIE manual for the most detailed and up-to-date information concerning requirement descriptions.
Overview of CIE Requirements:
- Two intercultural essays, one due during the first semester of the program and one due at the end of the program
- Completion of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) upon entry into the program then in the student’s final semester at UT
- Four semesters (16 credits) of foreign language study
- Completion of the ACTFL oral language proficiency interview (OPI) during student’s final semester at UT
- Global knowledge courses (4-16 credits)
- An approved education abroad experience
- Global engagement activities each semester of the program
Overview of CIE Requirements by College:
| Majors in the College of Arts and Letters | Majors in all other colleges |
Option 1:
Option 2:
Option 3:
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- Native English Speakers: Students must complete at least four sequential semesters of non-native language coursework (16 hours) in ONE language area (French, Italian or Spanish) with a minimum 2.75 GPA. They must also demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by taking the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview in their final semester at UT.
- Non-Native English Speakers: International students proficient in a native language are not required to take the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview, however, they are still required to complete four semesters of non-native language coursework in ONE language area (French, Italian or Spanish).
Note: Students who have already taken the equivalent of college-level language courses prior to applying to the CIE should speak with the coordinator of the CIE to discuss the application of those language credits to the CIE.
At least one education abroad experience is required and must be approved by the coordinator of the CIE and the Office of International Programs.
Students may choose from the following options:
- UT faculty-led Travel Course
- International Internship
- Summer/Semester/Year Abroad Program
- Community-Based Service Learning Abroad
Global Engagement Activities
While at UT, students must demonstrate international leadership and engagement. In order to receive credit for this requirement, students complete Global Engagement Activities each semester while enrolled in the program (see Global Engagement Activities Table in the CIE Manual for specifics). Students with less than five semesters in the program should consult with the coordinator of the CIE for guidance. Students should also document their campus participation through the e-portfolio on Canvas, which is a self-reported document that lists activities participated in while enrolled at The University of Tampa.
Global Knowledge Courses
To better understand the world, students participate in a wide array of global knowledge courses as a part of their normal degree requirements. Four to 16 credit hours are required for CIS program completion. See Program Requirements area above for specific credit requirements based on major.
Students will complete two essays reflecting on the meaning of intercultural competence to them, the first upon entry into the CIE program and the second during their final semester at UT.
Students are required to take the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) twice: once during the first semester in the program and again during the final semester at UT. The assessment is used as a tool to provide students with a development plan to increase intercultural competence. It is also used to measure intercultural development during the program. The inventory scores are not used to calculate grades for the program.
The IDI is conducted online. Students will receive an email with instructions and a code to be able to initiate the test from any location with an internet location. The test takes approximately 35 minutes.
To better understand the world, students take a wide array of global knowledge courses as a part of their normal degree requirements. Global Knowledge courses constitute any course at UT designated with an IG and/or NW tag. See 'Overview of CIE Requirements by College' above for specific credit hour requirements for Global Knowledge Courses.
While at UT, students must demonstrate international leadership and engagement. In order to receive credit for this requirement, students complete Global Engagement Activities (see CIE manual for specifics).
