Student ARC Journey

 Navigating Conflict. Communication & Boundaries

Conflict is a natural part of college life—especially in a multicultural environment where communication styles, expectations, and norms vary widely. Navigating Conflict, Communication & Boundaries equips international students with the skills to understand conflict, communicate clearly, set healthy boundaries, and resolve interpersonal challenges with confidence.

This course helps students bridge those gaps with practical, culturally aware strategies.
Write your awesome label here.

Course Overview

This course guides students through the complexities of conflict in college settings—roommate issues, peer disagreements, academic misunderstandings, and cross‑cultural communication challenges. Through real-world examples, strengths-based tools, and actionable techniques, students learn to communicate assertively, set boundaries, and resolve conflicts in healthy, respectful ways.

You’ll explore:

Understanding Conflict in a College Context

Learn how cultural differences, language barriers, and academic expectations shape conflict experiences for international students.

Effective Communication & Setting Boundaries

Develop clear communication habits, understand cross-cultural communication styles, and learn how to set boundaries around time, personal space, and emotional energy.

Practicing Assertive Communication Skills

Build confidence in expressing needs respectfully through “I” statements, active listening, constructive feedback, and nonverbal communication.

Resolving Roommate, Peer & Academic Conflicts

Explore practical strategies for handling roommate disagreements, peer misunderstandings, and academic conflicts with instructors or classmates.

Student Strategies for Managing Conflict

Teaches students how to manage conflict in real time through active listening, clear communication, empathy, seeking mediation when needed, and setting healthy boundaries to create constructive, lasting resolutions.

Strengths-Based Conflict Navigation

Use CliftonStrengths® themes to understand your natural conflict style, communicate more effectively, and collaborate with peers who bring complementary strengths.

Why should I take this course?

By the end of the Navigating Conflict course, you will:
  • Understand how culture shapes conflict and communication
  • Recognize early signs of conflict and respond proactively
  • Communicate assertively and respectfully across cultures
  • Set healthy boundaries that support well-being and academic success
  • Resolve roommate, peer, and academic conflicts with confidence
  • Use personal strengths to build trust and navigate disagreements
  • Seek support through campus resources and mediation services
This course empowers students to navigate conflict with clarity, empathy, and confidence—building stronger relationships and a more positive college experience.

Write your awesome label here.

Meet the instructor

—

Brian Hooks

Executive Director, Thriving Abroad™/Founder, BCH Coaching™
Brian is a global educator and coach based in Bangalore, India, specializing in developing Student Affairs professionals and emerging leaders. With 15+ years in Higher Education—particularly in Housing & Residence Life—and 20+ years in the nonprofit sector, he brings deep expertise in leadership development, diversity and multicultural competence, and team dynamics.

His work blends strengths‑based coaching, student development theory, and real‑world administrative experience to help students and professionals navigate transitions with clarity, confidence, and belonging.
Created with