Cultural differences: making sense of life at berkeley
Students attending this orientation should:
Don't forget to confirm your attendance!
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Agenda/Activities:
- Keynote speaker: Director of the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership, Jason Patent , and Intercultural Training Specialist, Grace Michel. Free dinner will be served following keynote speakers.

JASON PATENT
Director of the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership
Jason Patent, Ph.D, Director of the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership (CIL), is responsible for building International House’s existing training programs and expanding them to meet the needs of increasing numbers of International House residents, UC Berkeley campus units, higher education institutions, corporations and non-profit organizations.
With over two decades of experience in training and facilitation, Jason delivers high-quality intercultural consulting and training to individuals and teams across a variety of sectors.
Jason has served as American Co-Director of the Hopkins–Nanjing Center for Chinese and American Studies in Nanjing, China; Inaugural Director of the Stanford Program in Beijing; Training Consultant at Gap International, Cartus, ITAP International, IOR Associates, Dean Foster Associates; and Vice President, Communications & Marketing at Orchestrall, Inc.
Fluent in Mandarin, Jason has a B.A. in East Asian Studies from Harvard, an M.A. in the same field from Stanford, and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Linguistics from U.C. Berkeley.
Director of the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership
Jason Patent, Ph.D, Director of the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership (CIL), is responsible for building International House’s existing training programs and expanding them to meet the needs of increasing numbers of International House residents, UC Berkeley campus units, higher education institutions, corporations and non-profit organizations.
With over two decades of experience in training and facilitation, Jason delivers high-quality intercultural consulting and training to individuals and teams across a variety of sectors.
Jason has served as American Co-Director of the Hopkins–Nanjing Center for Chinese and American Studies in Nanjing, China; Inaugural Director of the Stanford Program in Beijing; Training Consultant at Gap International, Cartus, ITAP International, IOR Associates, Dean Foster Associates; and Vice President, Communications & Marketing at Orchestrall, Inc.
Fluent in Mandarin, Jason has a B.A. in East Asian Studies from Harvard, an M.A. in the same field from Stanford, and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Linguistics from U.C. Berkeley.

GRACE MICHEL
Intercultural Training Specialist
Grace Michel, M.A. is an Intercultural Training Specialist for the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership (CIL). She is an experienced facilitator and educator with a deep commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and peaceful world. She has extensive experience in intercultural education, leadership development, and peacebuilding and has worked primarily as a trainer/facilitator, program director, and consultant. Prior to joining CIL, Grace worked in Myanmar where she designed teacher-training and curriculum to promote peaceful coexistence and conducted education policy research. Previously, she served as the Assistant Director of the Center for Peace and Commerce at the University of San Diego, encouraging social entrepreneurship and responsible business as a force for positive social impact. Grace also worked for three years in Peru as a community educator and international service learning program director.
Grace received an M.A. in Peace and Justice Studies and a Certificate in Peace and Global Education from the University of San Diego, and a B.A. in International Relations from Claremont McKenna College.
Intercultural Training Specialist
Grace Michel, M.A. is an Intercultural Training Specialist for the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership (CIL). She is an experienced facilitator and educator with a deep commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and peaceful world. She has extensive experience in intercultural education, leadership development, and peacebuilding and has worked primarily as a trainer/facilitator, program director, and consultant. Prior to joining CIL, Grace worked in Myanmar where she designed teacher-training and curriculum to promote peaceful coexistence and conducted education policy research. Previously, she served as the Assistant Director of the Center for Peace and Commerce at the University of San Diego, encouraging social entrepreneurship and responsible business as a force for positive social impact. Grace also worked for three years in Peru as a community educator and international service learning program director.
Grace received an M.A. in Peace and Justice Studies and a Certificate in Peace and Global Education from the University of San Diego, and a B.A. in International Relations from Claremont McKenna College.
Topics covered:
- How to successfully navigate cultural differences
- How to unpack first impressions while studying/living abroad
Confirm Your Attendance by Friday, July 6.