한국내 외국인들을 위한 이문화 교육프로그램

Cross-Cultural Training Programs for Foreigners in Korea: Focus on Bolten s Cross-Cultural Training Methods

Many support systems have been created to help foreigners adjust well in Korea. Job training for foreign workers and on-site training for multicultural family members are typical examples of the support systems. This article aims to explore the cross-cultural training programs for foreign workers, multicultural family members, and foreign students in Korea. Bolten’s cross-cultural training methods were used as a framework. We found that the following training methods could be used for the cross-cultural training programs for foreigners: (1) Seminars using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions might be the most convenient and effective training methods among the General Didactic Training methods; (2) Culture-specific assimilators, seminars, languages training, case studies are all applicable among the Specific Didactic Training methods; (3) Among the General Experiential Training methods, self-assessment might be the most effective training method and intercultural communication workshop might be applicable for foreign students programs (although it might not be suitable for job training and on-site training which are restricted by time and costs); (4) Most methods in the Specific Experiential Training methods, including bicultural communication workshop, area simulations, role plays, and field trips are all applicable for the cross-cultural training programs. Cross-cultural training programs for foreigners in Korea should (1) develop various training methods based on specific cultural knowledge (2) provide customized training programs for each individual trainee if possible (3) provide training for Koreans who will work or live with the foreigners (4) utilize excellent cases and resources around the world (5) make regular assessment and ongoing improvement for the training programs. The article also mentioned training for trainers and the future of the cross-cultural training programs in Korea.