Intercultural Partnership Program Guide

Table of Contents

• Welcome the Program
• Structure of the Program
• Understanding Intercultural Learning
• Get to know your Partner!
• Partnership Meeting Log
• What Past Participants Say

Welcome to the Program

RRC Polytech established the Intercultural Partnership Program (IPP) to connect Global Partners (immigrant and international students) with Local Partners (students, staff, and faculty) for friendship, support, and intercultural exchange. Your partnership can look like friendship, mentorship, or something completely unique—you and your partner get to shape it together!

Since you have landed on this page, that means you have already been matched. Exciting! Let’s get started.

Structure of the Program

How does IPP work? Let’s break it down in simple steps so you know what to expect.

Understanding Intercultural Learning

Culture shapes how we see the world, think, feel, and act in different situations. In this program, you will explore how cultural differences are not barriers—but opportunities to grow, connect, and learn.

Think of culture like an iceberg:

• Above the surface, you can see (like food and language)
• Below the surface, there is much more, like values, beliefs, and traditions passed down over generations.

Culture is not static; it evolves and reflects who we are today.

Get to know your Partner!

Every partner brings unique stories, experiences, and perspectives. You may have had a different cultural experience growing up; there is so much to learn from one another about how you were raised, what your life has been like, and how you view the world. Your job is to share openly, listen respectfully, and learn from each other.

Together, you will:

• Set goals for your partnership
• Explore what makes a great partner
• Build a connection that can last beyond the program

Explore Together

The best part of IPP? Doing things together!

On Campus

• Visit the Campus Library & discover books.
• Share lunch in the cafeteria
• Go for a walk around campus 
• Try the gym or a fitness class offered through Campus Well-Being
• Attend a RRC Polytech Students’ Association event

Be sure to check the Student/Staff News for other events taking place at the College throughout the year!

Off Campus

• Visit The Forks or the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
• Go to a festival, concert, or sporting event 
• Explore Winnipeg’s neighborhoods 
• Try fun activities like bowling, skating, or escape rooms 
• Cook a meal together or share a cultural tradition

Pick your favourites and create your own adventure list together!

Partnership Meeting Log

Setting goals helps keep your partnership intentional and meaningful. Use the Meeting Log to:

• Write down your goals
• Track your meetups
• Reflect on what you learned

The video will provide more information about how to create a Meeting Log.

At the end of the program, you will:

• Receive a digital certificate of participation
• Be featured in campus communications
• Have the chance to apply for the Making a World of Difference Award

The award recognizes Global–Local pairs who made the most of their partnership. (Students receive the monetary award; staff/faculty receive certificates of recognition.)

What Past Participants Say

“IPP made me feel at home in Winnipeg.” – Guadalupe

“I built a friendship that will last beyond the program.” – Milagros

“Through regular meetups and activities, I learned not just about another culture, but about respect, curiosity, and teamwork.” – Liyin

“The connection we formed through this program will surely continue beyond this semester.” – Raul & Lorenz

“Even though we come from different generations and backgrounds, we connected deeply and supported each other.” – Desirae

“I developed a meaningful bond that helped me grow in intercultural awareness and become more empathetic and open-minded.” – Ishnaaz

Ready to Begin?

Meet, Share, Grow — Your IPP journey starts now!