Asia Education Foundation

About Asia skills

Asia skills enable Australians to live and work effectively in Asia and with people from the Asia region. These skills encompass background knowledge of Asian countries, language skills and intercultural competence.

Download our one page fact sheet (PDF: 185 kb) on Asia skills.

 pharmadirector

‘By better understanding how different people work you can make a relationship much more effective. In Asia, in particular, the relationship is so critical to making progress… Being able to understand how to optimise those relationships is really important.’

– Charlie O'Sullivan, Pharmaceutical Director 

Background knowledge: environment, history and culture

Factual background knowledge is fundamental to operating successfully in another culture. As well as often being of considerable practical importance, factual knowledge provides a platform for the construction of cultural insights and understandings. Background knowledge also has the virtue of being something that can be both informally and formally acquired without in-country experience. The following topics indicate the focus and scope for such knowledge:

  • Environment – location, topography, climate, demography, environmental conditions
  • History – major events, trends and issues
  • Culture – current events, entertainment, media, sports, arts, religion and religious activity
  • Practical living requirements – accommodation, food and drink, travel, shopping, staying healthy.

Skills in using the local language

fruitgorwer

It is a simple fact that the more control you have over a language, the more access you will have to the culture which it supports. Language is more than just a means of communication. It reflects and shapes the way we think and influences the way we live as well as being the medium for the conduct of our social and professional lives. Locally relevant verbal and written communication skills open a new range of possibilities for interaction, and for learning, understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Their acquisition is also a sign of respect for the host culture.

Intercultural competence

Cross cultural encounters can be puzzling and confronting. The different assumptions and worldviews brought to bear can produce misunderstandings ranging from interesting, but trivial, to grave with far-reaching consequences. Research and experience suggests that the chief attributes required to accommodate and benefit from cross cultural encounters are:

  • Sensitivity and willingness to learn – alertness to cultural differences and their significance, open mindedness, empathy, the capacity to pay attention and observe carefully, patience.

  • Self-awareness – knowledge of how your own culture has shaped who you are, knowing your own strengths and weaknesses, being clear and focused on what you want to achieve.

  • Analytical and communicative skills – a capacity to analyse situations, develop solutions and collect information, and to communicate effectively.

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