Course Overview:

This course offers an in-depth examination of cultural competence essential for effective social service delivery in British Columbia, focusing on understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds. Students will explore the impact of cultural norms, values, and traditions on client interactions through detailed case studies, role-playing exercises, and community engagement activities. The curriculum emphasizes developing adaptive communication skills, recognizing cultural barriers to service access, and integrating culturally responsive practices into client support plans. Through workshops with cultural experts and reflective assignments, learners will build the expertise needed to navigate multicultural settings and enhance client trust and outcomes across varied demographic groups.

Prerequisite:

  • The students must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education, or mature student status (19 years or older).
  • Applicants must submit a written statement outlining their motivation, relevant experience, and career goals. An admissions interview may also be required to assess communication skills, professional awareness, and readiness for both academic study and practicum learning.
  • Because the program includes placements with vulnerable populations, applicants must provide a clear Criminal Record Check. Some sites may also require proof of immunizations, first aid certification, or other documentation to ensure safety and readiness for practicum participation.
  • All applicants must meet one of the following Language Proficiency Requirements (LPR):
    • Completion of 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
    • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
    • To meet BC Health Care Assistant English Competency Standards, students from non-English speaking countries must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education and provide verified results for one of the English Language Proficiency tests with minimum scores listed below:
      • IELTS: overall score of 6.0, with a minimum of 6 in Speaking/Listening, and not below 5.5 in Reading/Writing.
      • CAEL: overall score of 60, with no section below 50.
      • TOEFL iBT: minimum 76 overall, with no sub-scores lower than 20 (Speaking/Listening) and 18 (Reading/Writing), or
      • Another accredited equivalent score.
  • Mature Student Applicants
    Applicants who are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program, are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and are unable to provide official secondary or post-secondary education records may demonstrate English proficiency by:
    • Submitting a signed attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages and
    • Completing the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) with the following minimum scores:
      • Reading: 235
      • Writing: 235
      • WritePlacer: 4

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:

  • Identify and explain multicultural dynamics, including those affecting South Asian, Indigenous, and other cultural communities—and describe how colonization and systemic inequities shape client needs and service experiences.
  • Contribute to the development of trauma-informed and decolonizing support approaches for immigrants and newcomers, ensuring cultural safety and respect for diverse lived experiences.
  • Apply culturally grounded strategies to address mental health stigma in different communities, including how colonial histories, intergenerational trauma, and systemic racism influence help-seeking behaviours.
  • Assess cultural, linguistic, and colonial barriers that limit equitable access to social services for diverse populations and identify ways frontline workers can support more inclusive pathways.
  • Demonstrate culturally competent and decolonizing communication techniques in simulated client sessions, incorporating cultural humility, relational accountability, and respect for community-specific norms and traditions

Course Content & Topics:

Credit Information:

  • Credits: 3

Duration:

  • 14 Weeks: 3 hrs/week

Course & Related Fees:

  • Domestic & International: $700 (Seven hundred dollars)

For a detailed breakdown, please refer to Policy #S-005 Programs & Course Fee Schedule

Non-Refundable Fees:

  • Application Fee: $50.00/course (payable online and non-refundable)