Coaching and Critical Intercultural Learning: Towards a New Approach for Global Education

April 8-9, 2025

Lehigh university, bethlehem, pa

Coaching and Critical Intercultural Learning: Towards a New Approach for Global Education takes a deep dive around how coaching can further our commitments to intercultural learning. Our goal is to create a space for thinking about how SIOs might amplify campus initiatives for intercultural learning by shifting their focus from a learning to a coaching culture through various points of entry. We will explore how coaching can further students’ development as intercultural learners and global citizens in a world characterized by difference, complexity and fast change.

Participants will discuss how coaching can support the evolution of global learning towards:

increased belonging whether for international students, students studying away from our home campuses, or constituents on campus
more reflective intercultural learning for our constituents engaged in global learning
deeper leadership capacities for ourselves new ways to work with others as well as a means to continue development and avoid stagnation/burnout
the creation of intentional work cultures that also include staff who may not always see themselves as fully part of the larger educational project, as well as
ongoing attunement to difference as our stakeholders become more diverse and our work unfolds in contexts of fast, often unexpected change, another form of difference.

We will talk about both concepts and practicalities. The format will include 6 speakers and varying modalities for discussions. Participants will leave with specific takeaways about how they might engage the presented ideas and what emerges from the collective discussions in their own practice.

Featured Keynote Speakers

Dr. Cheryl Matherly, Lehigh University
Dr. Angelina Rodriguez, Lehigh University
Dr. Darla Deardorff, UNESCO Chair of Intercultural Competences at Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Dr. Christopher Glass, Boston College
Dr. Lesley Robinson, Co-founder, Ayana
Dr. Dawn Whitehead, American Association of Colleges and Universities

Campus Navigation

Directions to Lehigh University
Directions to Alumni Memorial Building Parking Pavilion (parking can be paid for using the Passport Parking App - Park. Pay. Be on Your Way. © in the designated areas)

Nearby Hotels

Bethlehem Comfort Suites 0.3 miles from Lehigh University
Wind Creek Bethlehem 0.9 miles from Lehigh University
Historic Hotel Bethlehem 1.3 miles from Lehigh University

Nearby Airports

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) 6.3 miles from Lehigh University
- When flying into ABE, check your ticket closely as some airlines offer connecting flights via bus service between airports
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) 66.7 miles from Lehigh University
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 74.3 miles from Lehigh University