What is "Interculturing?"

A Made-up Word that Embodies Invaluable Realities

I’m going to make an assumption about you.

I know, that isn’t very nice or, “interculturalist,” of me, but hear me out.

Here is my assumption:

At some level, you love learning about cultures and having cultural experiences. You may even consider yourself a, “culture person.” Otherwise, it’s unlikely you would find yourself reading an article about some weird, unfamiliar term, like, “Interculturing.”

But what in the world is, “Interculturing,” anyway, and why should anyone care?

Valid. That is a very good question.

Let’s dive into it.

First, Meet the Intercultural Nerd

I’m Kellen, and one way or another, you’ve stumbled into my publication. I’m an absolute nerd about culture. I love traveling, experiencing new foods, drinks, people and customs—exploring all the unique things we crazy humans do and use to decorate our societal norms.

My passion for culture is part of what I like to say has led to me living, “a life of geographical and academic nomadism.” To date, my interests and vocation have enabled (and even required) me to:

· Live in four countries and four states.

· Work with and train leaders and students from over 40 countries and six continents.

· Lead international organizations and develop cross-cultural strategic initiatives.

· Formally study intercultural dynamics, earning an MA in Global Leadership and (very soon!) an EdD in Intercultural Education.

· Teach students from early college to the PhD level in institutions abroad, providing academic advising and cross-cultural resilience support.

Perhaps now you are starting to glimpse the intensity of my personal passion and broad experience in not only studying, but literally living a life saturated in interculturalism.

(Top of the Mountain… Exploring Visegrad Castle in Visegrad, Hungary)

Interculturing: A Verb and a Lifestyle

Here’s the thing that brings us back to the meaning of this publication’s name- Studying and experiencing cultures is not enough for me; I really do love to teach and help others discover the soul-expanding realities of intercultural competence and experiences.

That is the specific inspiration behind starting this publication.

For a full confession, “Interculturing” is a word I unashamedly made up. :) For me, it is a beautiful, fanciful verb that represents two very real dimensions:

1. The Academic and Vocational: This aspect of interculturing is about doing the work of an academic and vocational interculturalist. It involves research, writing, and developing competence in others so they can start to untap the magic of interculturalism in their personal and professional lives.

2. The Lifestyle and Adventure: This aspect of interculturing is about cultivating and living out a hunger to explore the vast, beautiful mosaic that is our dynamically diverse world, from the exotic to the everyday.

All of that is why I came to think of, Interculturing, as, “a made-up word that embodies invaluable realities.”

What You’ll Find Here: Our Three Sections

The content in, Interculturing, will explore both of these dimensions of this work, structured into three distinct sections to give you a clear roadmap of what to expect:

1. The Competence Column

This is where we explore the principles and practices of interculturalism. Expect deep dives into research, academic theory, and applications for real-world challenges, like leading multicultural teams, conflict resolution across differences, and growing in your own Intercultural Competence.

2. Nomad’s Notebook

This is the story and adventure section for fun people. Here, I’ll share the funny, painful, and fascinating discoveries I’ve gleaned from living in exotic places and doing life and work with diversely beautiful people around the globe. This column highlights the lessons I’ve learned from the life-on-life level of intercultural practice.

3. The Practical Pivot

This section focuses on actionable advice. We’ll talk about practical ways “average people” like us can thrive as we work, partner, and travel across cultural lines and in intercultural relationships. This is where we focus on expanding our perspective and developing the skills needed to navigate geography and human-to-human connection in our increasingly, radically multicultural world.

Whether you want to learn and discuss nerdy culture stuff, explore the world through the lens of an intercultural practitioner, or grow in your own ability to relate well to people from different backgrounds, Interculturing, is the publication for you.

Talk to Me!

Whoever you are, I am genuinely glad you are here.

Please respond to this article by comment, email, or chat, and say hello. I would love to get to know you and hear about your interest in culture.

Let’s get to know each other, learn, and journey together!

- Kellen

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