Level Of Cultural Awareness Research Articles

Erbil Citadel as a Brand for the City, the Role of Residents Awareness and Perceptions

The branding of cities through their historical and cultural assets has become a pivotal strategy in urban development and tourism. This study focuses on Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its potential as a brand for Erbil, a city with a rich historical backdrop and flourishing urban landscape. The study aimed to explore the perceptions of Erbil’s residents regarding the cultural significance of the Citadel and its potential as a city brand. A mixed-method survey questionnaire was conducted, collecting data from around 440 residents through both manual distribution around the Citadel and an online platform. The findings were analyzed using SPSS 23 to provide both descriptive and inferential statistical insights. The findings show that locals are well aware of the Citadel’s significance as a significant historical and cultural symbol of the city. The vast majority of participants acknowledged its unique visual attributes and their representation of the city’s cultural and historical identity. Additionally, the results showed that citizens’ perceptions of the Citadel as a good component of city branding were positively correlated with their level of cultural awareness. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on city branding and heritage sites by providing empirical evidence on the impact of residents’ cultural awareness on their perceptions of heritage sites as city brands. The results highlight how crucial cultural education and community involvement are to maximizing the branding potential of historic locations. Policymakers and urban planners may find the findings of the study useful in utilizing Erbil Citadel’s historical relevance to strengthen Erbil’s brand identity internationally.

Determination of nursing students’ levels of cultural awareness, intercultural sensitivity, and their perspectives on culturally sensitive nursing care

Research problem/aim: This study aims to determine the levels of cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity among nursing students and explore their perspectives on culturally sensitive nursing care. Methods: The descriptive research was conducted with 332 students studying at a state university. Data collection instruments included a socio-demographic information form, intercultural sensitivity scale, cultural awareness scale, and a survey of perspesctives on culturally sensitive nursing care. Findings: Among the nursing students surveyed, 55.7% reported regular interactions with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, while 30.4% engaged with diverse cultures through social media. Furthermore, 56.0% expressed their interest in pursuing educational opportunities in foreign countries through student exchange programs, and 55.1% indicated a desire to work abroad after graduation. Only 3.3% of students reported receiving formal education on culturally sensitive patient care approaches, and 27.4% claimed to have prior experience in providing care to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. During care provision to patients from diverse cultures, students acknowledged placing the highest emphasis on effective communication (24.4%), while paying the least attention to entertainment and social activities (0.3%). Students scored an average of 168.0±22.8 points on the Cultural Awareness Scale and 91.0±14.2 points on the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale. Analysis of students’ attitudes towards culturally sensitive nursing care revealed their strongest agreement with statements related to social justice, healthcare systems, and cultural practice standards. Conclusion: In the study, it has been determined that nursing students generally possess a moderate level of intercultural sensitivity and cultural awareness, and they mostly agreed to the standards for culturally compenent care. To enhance nursing students’ ability to provide culturally competent care, recommendations include the incorporation of simulation exercises, active teaching methods like standardized patient interactions in intercultural nursing education, the establishment of clinical practice environments that facilitate the application of theoretical knowledge, and support for students' interactions with individuals from various cultural backgrounds. (Extended English summary is at the end of this document) Özet Amaç: Bu çalışmada hemşirelik öğrencilerinin kültürel farkındalık ve kültürel duyarlılık düzeylerinin belirlenmesi ve öğrencilerin kültüre duyarlı hemşirelik bakımına yönelik görüşlerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı ve kesitsel türde planlanan araştırma bir devlet üniversitesinde öğrenim görmekte olan 332 öğrenci ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın verileri yaş, cinsiyet, sınıf gibi bazı sosyo-demografik özellikleri ile farklı kültürler ile etkileşimi ele alan tanıtıcı bilgi formu, kültürlerarası duyarlılık ölçeği, kültürel farkındalık ölçeği ve kültüre duyarlı hemşirelik bakımına ilişkin görüş formu ile toplanmıştır. Bulgular: Araştırmaya katılan hemşirelik öğrencilerinin %55.7’si başka kültürlerden bireylerle bir arada bulunduğunu, %30.4’ü sosyal medyada farklı kültürlerden bireylerle iletişim kurduğunu, %56.0’ı öğrenci değişim programları ile eğitim amaçlı farklı bir ülkeye gitmek istediklerini, %55.1’i ise mezun olduktan sonra yabancı bir ülkede çalışmayı düşündüklerini bildirmiştir. Öğrencilerin %3.3’ü farklı kültürden hastaya yaklaşım ile ilgili eğitim aldığını ve %27.4’ü farklı kültürden hastaya bakım verme deneyimi olduğunu belirtmiştir. Farklı kültürden hastaya bakım verirken en fazla iletişim %24.4, en az eğlence/sosyal aktivitelere %0.3 ilişkin özelliklere dikkat edildiği ve en fazla iletişim %22.3 alanında zorluk yaşandığı bildirilmiştir. Öğrenciler Kültürel Farkındalık Ölçeğinden 168.0±22.8 puan, Kültürlerarası Duyarlılık Ölçeğinden 91.0±14.2 puan almıştır. Hemşirelik öğrencilerinin kültüre duyarlı hemşirelik bakımına yaklaşımları incelendiğinde öğrencilerin kültürel yeterli bakım için uygulama standartlarından sosyal adalet, sağlık bakım sistemleri ve kültürel uygulama standartlarına yönelik ifadelere en fazla katılım gösterdiği saptanmıştır. Sonuç: Araştırmada hemşirelik öğrencilerinin orta düzeyde kültürlerarası duyarlılık ve kültürel farkındalığa sahip olduğu ve kültüre yeterli bakıma yönelik standartlara çoğunlukla katıldıkları belirlenmiştir. Hemşirelik öğrencilerinin kültürel olarak yeterli bakım sunabilmeleri için kültürlerarası hemşirelik eğitimlerinde simülasyon uygulamaları, standardize hasta gibi aktif öğretim yöntemlerinin kullanılması, hemşirelik öğrencilerinin teorik bilgilerini uygulamaya aktardıkları klinik uygulama ortamlarının düzenlenmesi ve öğrencilerin farklı kültürlerden bireylerle etkileşimlerinin sağlanması önerilmektedir.

Exploring the Path and Strategies for Integrating Hubei Red Culture into Physical Education in Higher Vocational Colleges

This research study examined the level of cultural awareness among students from various academic backgrounds on Hubei Red Culture. Additionally, it evaluated the educational influence of incorporating Hubei Red Culture into modern educational environments. The findings indicated a modest degree of cultural awareness among students, with significant differences observed in relation to gender, field of study, and school affiliation. This highlights the need for tailored interventions to address these gaps in awareness and foster cultural diversity. In addition, the study found that the integration of Hubei Red Culture had a generally positive impact on students' cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and social learning aspects. However, there were challenges related to political sensitivity, resource accessibility, ideological balance, and relevance to a diverse audience. In order to fully address these findings, a program was suggested to improve cultural education, interdisciplinary learning, educator empowerment, and cultural awareness. The success of this program would be measured by increased cultural awareness, enhanced educational experiences, and improved inclusivity in the educational setting.

Medical Ethical Issues, an Islamic Perspective

Morality is a unique human subject. It is affected by a number of cultural factors, such as history, tradition, education, and religious beliefs. Ethics is based on two basic concepts: one is a "value" and the other is the duties "must". In the Islamic faith Health and illness as life and death are not mere facts, they include many values that must be respected. The disease, for example, is not only a medical scientific fact like other physiological phenomena. Despite the rise of secular people most of the arabs are believers and religion remains a significant force in society. Diseases and physical suffering have a big impact on the Muslim's life. It tests endurance, faith, and submission to one almighty God, who has healing powers for all patients. How staff ‘does’ good medical ethics depends on this perspective. To understand the Islamic contribution to medical ethics, five topics are discussed; first, obeying. God's commandments; second, categorising of commandments; third, the 5 guiding principles of Islamic Law (maqased); fourth, judging actions by intention and fifth, refers to a warrant belief in the divine decree and the predestination. In many Western countries multi-cultures and multi-religious textures are met including Muslim citizens and new immigrants. Medical Staff will be required at one point during their work to treat these Muslim patients; therefore, a minimum level of cultural awareness is a prerequisite for the delivery of care that is culturally sensitive. In this paper, there is the highlight of certain key teachings in Islamic medical issues and their applications. Hopefully, the insights gained will aid medical staff to better understand their Muslim patients and deliver care that pays due respect to their beliefs. Muslims in the U.S. and in Europe come from diverse backgrounds. Understanding their beliefs and observances is crucial for providing culturally competent care. In bringing any religious perspective to bear on medico-moral issues, a willingness to listen and courtesy in the debate is necessary.

An Investigation of Cultural Sensitivity and Teachers’ Classroom Management

The variety of cultures in educational institutions is expanding quickly. As a result, instructors' understanding of cultural background becomes a useful asset in how they run their classroom. This study sought to determine how instructors' classroom management relates to their cultural sensitivity. A correlational research design was used in the study. It is a quantitative study that also included interviews. A total of 30 participants who taught at three universities in Oman; namely A’ Sharqiyah University, Sohar University and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences during the academic year 2022–2023 were included in the study. Three (3) of the educators were chosen at random for an interview. Questionnaires were used to collect the necessary data following the survey method and teacher interviews were selected at random. Frequency count and percentage were used to examine the data. The study's findings showed that teachers exhibit a high level of cultural awareness. They made extensive use of optimal classroom management. A moderately significant association between cultural sensitivity and classroom management was also revealed by the research. According to the results, instructors' cultural sensitivity affects how they manage their classrooms. The study suggests teacher capacity-building initiatives, such as seminar-workshops on multicultural educational approaches and culturally sensitive classroom management techniques, to help teachers expand their expertise.

Reflections on Intercultural Communication during Overseas Study by Chinese Students

This paper discusses how Chinese international students can effectively navigate cross-cultural communication during their study abroad experience. It begins by providing an overview of the definition and characteristics of cross-cultural communication, as well as the manifestations and influences of cultural differences. It then analyzes the factors that impact international students' cross-cultural communication, including their cultural backgrounds, levels of cultural awareness, and experiences in academic and everyday life. Finally, it proposes effective measures to enhance cross-cultural communication among international students, such as emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural communication education, providing cross-cultural training and guidance tailored to students' needs, and establishing channels and platforms for intercultural exchange among students.

Cultural Competence among Healthcare Professional Educators: A Mixed-Methods Study

As cultural diversity gains global prominence, healthcare professional educators (HPEs) are expected to exhibit a high level of cultural competence in education. Responding to this necessity requires the establishment of healthcare education that is oriented toward sustainability. This study aimed to investigate HPEs’ perceptions of cultural competence at the Qatar University-Health Cluster (QU-HC). A convergent mixed-methods design was applied. The quantitative phase involved 118 HPEs at QU-HC responding to the Multicultural Teaching Competency Scale (MTCS). The qualitative phase included 3 focus groups (FGs) with 22 HPEs guided by Campinha-Bacote’s (1999) model of cultural competence. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze FGs data. Seventy-one educators responded to the MTCS (response rate was 60.2%), and twenty-two educators attended the FGs. HPEs demonstrated a moderate level of cultural awareness (total MTCS mean = 57 ± 7.8). The FGs revealed that the HPEs exhibited awareness and responsive teaching, but individual and institutional factors needed improvement. This study expands upon the existing literature concerning the cultural diversity impacts on the teaching and learning aspects of health profession programs, specifically within the Middle East context. It is recommended that health professional programs intensify the cultural orientation provided to educators, reanalyze the curricular content to serve diverse patients, and explore innovative approaches that embrace cultural diversity and sustainability.

Examining HIV organizational structures and their influence on engagement with young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Atlanta, Georgia

Young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YB-GBMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Structural influences on these disparities, including characteristics of the various organizations that serve YB-GBMSM living with HIV, remain understudied. We drew on Weick’s model of organizing to conduct and analyze qualitative interviews with 28 HIV service providers representing healthcare and community-based organizations in Atlanta, Georgia. Enactment of HIV service provision was described as following simplified and standardized responses-defined as “rules”, and/or more dynamic exchanges to formulate responses -otherwise known as “communication behavior cycles” (CBCs). Rules, including patient quotas and limited hours of operation, were viewed as rigid, out-of-touch, and inhibiting engagement with YB-GBMSM. CBCs, such as patient feedback loops and rejection of traditional hierarchies, fostered creative insights to combating the epidemic and increased levels of cultural awareness and community buy-in. Organizations should strive to enact CBCs, to foster culturally congruent approaches to service delivery for YB-GBMSM.

Inclusive Behaviors: Keys for Creating Empowering Practice Cultures

In many health care organizations, the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are now given greater importance. However, deeper levels of cultural awareness require nurse leaders to not only understand DEIB, but also to possess cultural intelligence. Nurse leaders who espouse inclusive leadership competences could achieve empowering practice cultures where all nurses are respected, trusted, and know that they belong. This article describes obstacles that negate inclusive cultures, necessary competencies, and solutions that when adopted, could result in nurse leaders building sustainable inclusive practice cultures where all nurses thrive.

Chamber Choir "Moravski": History, Achievements, Present Day

The purpose of the research is to study the history of the chamber choir “Moravski” formation, creative, performing, and popularizing activities as a bright representative of modern Ukrainian amateur choral art. The research methodology is based on the use of empirical methods (chronological, descriptive, analytical), as well as methods of generalization and systematization, historical and cultural methods, which allowed to outline the history of the group's formation and creative and performing activities in the modern domestic choral art in chronology. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that for the first time in the cultural and musical scientific space, the stages of chamber choir “Moravski” formation are studied, and creative and performing achievements are outlined through the prism of modern choral performance in Ukraine. Conclusions. The activity of the chamber choir “Moravski” is, first of all, the need of the young Ukrainian society in the development of national culture, and secondly, the popularization of national culture and national ideas through choral singing for the mass audience both in Ukraine and abroad. The revival of the amateur choral movement in Ukraine testifies to the need of the society for highly intellectual activity, where the choir has ceased to be a transmitter of political ideology and has regained the diversity of artistic activity. Therefore, the emergence and development of amateur art lead to an increase in the level of cultural awareness of the nation and the strengthening of intercultural, interethnic ties.

Cultural Representation in EFL Courses for the Secondary Stage from Palestinian Teachers' Perspectives

The study sought to elicit teachers' perspectives on the representation of cultural facets in English for Palestine 11th &12th courses. The researchers utilized mixed methods to accomplish goal of the study. The sample was purposeful, consisting of (100) male and female secondary English teachers from the governorates of Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm. The researchers utilized two tools in collecting the needed data: a content analysis to recognize the cultural elements included in English textbooks for the secondary level, and a questionnaire to highlight the level of teachers' cognizance of cultural aspects revealed in English courses. The two instruments have been used in the study during the first semester of the academic year (2021-2022). The findings linked to cultural aspects revealed in the textbooks are national history, national geography, moral education, religious knowledge, political knowledge, health concerns, economic acquaintances, socialization, national identity, and social interaction. It is found that teachers have a high level of cultural awareness. We recommend that English teachers attend training seminars on incorporating cultural elements into English textbooks for professional development. Correspondingly, the Ministry of Education should hold workshops to assess cultural aspects in English textbooks.

Islam, Ethics and Modern Medicine: From Theory to Medical Practice: A Narrative Review

Islam arose from the same Semitic soil that gave rise to Judaism and Christianity. As stated in the Declaration of Faith, its most fundamental idea is monotheism. For Muslims, holy law is an all-encompassing entity that concerns every aspect of human life. Many Ulema has concluded that the concept of a “consensus decree” is preferable in the circumstances needing specialist understanding. These consensus panels for medical choices often include a broad and diversified representation. The decision-making process is frequently transparent, allowing members of the greater community to scrutinize the arguments presented. Before providing culturally sensitive treatment, a fundamental level of cultural awareness is essential. We simplified and highlighted key themes in Islamic medical ethics in this study. Despite the fact that this is a preliminary study, we believe the findings will assist physicians in better understanding their Muslim patients.

Bacterial Profile of Urinary Tract Infections and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns among Pregnant Women at the Benghazi Medical Centre, Benghazi/Libya

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common diseases caused by bacteria during pregnancy, and it can create serious consequences for both the fetus and the mother, necessitating early detection and prevention of problems. The study aimed to isolate and identify urinary tract infections bacteria among pregnant women at the Benghazi Medical Centre. Initially, a sectional descriptive design was used on 200 pregnant women who attended the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at the Benghazi Medical Centre from June 2018 to October 2018. A purposive sample was employed to collect data utilizing a structured interviewing questionnaire and laboratory test records. Bacterial infection during pregnancy was more frequent within the age range of 25 to 35 years with 25 out of 44 patients (56.8%). The second trimester of pregnancy was the time period most related to the infection with 23 patients (52.3%). The results also showed that housewives were more susceptible to the infection (28 patients; 63.6%). Several varieties of bacteria were related to UTIs during pregnancy including Escherichia coli (56.8%), which was the most frequently isolated pathogen followed by S. aureus (25%), Enterococcus (9.1%), Klebsiella (6.8%) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (2.3%). Antibiotic sensitivity revealed that the response to antibiotics was variable; most of the isolated pathogens were sensitive to the tested antibiotics specifically to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. The isolated bacteria that were sensitive to all the used antibiotics included Escherichia coli and S. saprophyticus. Antibiotic resistance was increasingly seen in amoxicillin, azithromycin, and erythromycin. To avoid UTIs during pregnancy and the complications of infection, which could lead to fetal loss, all pregnant women should be routinely screened for UTIs with urine culture and treated with the appropriate antibiotics as needed as well as reducing the risk of developing a urinary tract infection by increasing the level of cultural awareness. Women confront double dangers with UTIs; the danger of the disease and the risk of anti-microbial treatment. Pre-natal connection to the baby is highlight when preparing to make this choice, weighing both the shorter-term risks from UTIs and the longer-term dangers from anti-microbial use, particularly the chance of AMR.

The identity of the criminal as an element of the forensic characteristics of the crime under Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine

The purpose of this research is a systematic analysis of the identity of the criminal as an element of the forensic characteristics of the crime provided for in Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Terminological, systemic-structural, formal-logical, comparative-legal, statistical methods were used during the processing of materials in the research. It has been proven that the identity of the criminal is one of the most important elements of the forensic characterization of the crimes provided for in Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. It was determined that the criminal's identity as an element of his forensic characteristics in the case of acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit is distinguished by specific features in the set of biological, psychological and social properties of the individual. It is claimed that criminals of this kind are: mostly men, who in most cases occupy managerial positions; persons with a low level of cultural awareness, focused on meeting personal financial and economic needs, commit crimes mostly alone, less often in small groups of persons, more often as an official, and one who provides or offers to provide an illegal benefit, while equally trying to hide the commission of such crimes. The necessity of studying all elements of their forensic characteristics and establishing relationships between them is substantiated

Achieving culturally competent mental health care: A mixed-methods study drawing on the perspectives of UK nursing students.

This study aimed to examine the degree of cross-cultural competency among UK mental health student nurses, and the care delivery challenges arising from their internalized cultural assumptions. This study adopted a mixed-methods design. Participants were final-year nursing students in the United Kingdom. The results revealed participants had a moderate level of cultural awareness and competency but highlighted many challenges to providing cross-cultural care arising from the meanings, enablers, and values they attributed to culturally competent mental health care. As cultural competency is considered an essential characteristic of effective nursing care, greater attention should be paid to how student nurses assimilate cultural awareness to develop confidence in their day-to-day practice.

Cultural awareness and competence of pharmacy educators and learners from the perspective of pharmacy students at Qatar University: A mixed-methods approach.

BackgroundSince healthcare professional educators and practitioners in Qatar are culturally diverse, the impact of this diversity on the education and training of healthcare students should be evaluated. This study, therefore, aims at examining pharmacy students’ perspectives on the level of cultural awareness and competence of pharmacy educators and learners at Qatar University and the influence of cultural diversity on pharmacy education in Qatar.MethodsA convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. The Cultural Awareness Scale (CAS) was utilized in the quantitative phase, which was administered on 122 pharmacy students at Qatar University College of Pharmacy (QU CPH), of whom 70 responded. The qualitative phase comprised four focus groups with a total of 23 students. The quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently, and the results were integrated.ResultsThe findings suggest that the QU CPH is an institution of a culturally diverse community. Educators and students alike are generally culturally aware and sensitive; however, demonstration of a holistic awareness was hindered by a few barriers. This study suggests curricular changes to reinforce cultural competence, cultural inclusiveness, and the preservation of Qatar’s cultural identity and values in the educational environment.ConclusionsThe internationalization of pharmacy education in Qatar has inspired students and educators alike to achieve new dimensions of cultural awareness. To infuse passion and enthusiasm in learning while maintaining Qatar’s cultural values and identity, healthcare professional educators, researchers, and policymakers are required to collaborate to promote culturally sensitive pharmacy education.

Cultural awareness in an Iranian English language classroom: A teaching intervention in an interculturally “conservative” setting

Abstract Despite Iran’s increasing use of English as a lingua franca (ELF) and its growing position as a more open country to international relationships, Iran’s education policy is still culturally conservative and intercultural language education is absent from the national curriculum and hence classrooms. In response, this article presents the results of a ten-session course focused on implementing and developing cultural awareness (CA) in an Iranian English language classroom. The data revealed that this course had a positive effect in developing students’ levels of CA, moving from basic in the first half of the course towards advanced in the second half. This provides important empirical evidence illustrating the value of systematic instruction of CA in students’ cultural learning. Furthermore, this course was the first of its kind in the predominantly monolingual, culturally restricted context of this study, where intercultural education is missing from the curriculum, yet where students are likely to use ELF for intercultural communication while travelling abroad or inside the country for communication purposes with non-Iranians. This study, thus, demonstrates the feasibility and documents the processes of integrating intercultural teaching into English education, specifically in contexts where educators might be limited by language policy makers.

Cultural Awareness: Ensuring High-Quality Care for Limited English Proficient Patients.

Cancer hospitals throughout the United States have seen an increase in the number of adults who are considered limited English proficient (LEP); such individuals do not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand the language. This population requires nurses who are responsive to their language and cultural needs. The purpose of this study was to assess cultural awareness among inpatient oncology nurses and to identify areas for cross-cultural training and educational development. 44 inpatient oncology nurses from an oncology unit that admits a large number of Spanish-speaking patients responded to an online survey containing 23 Likert-type questions and 4 open-ended questions. Despite survey results indicating a moderate to high level of cultural awareness, nurses expressed a need for tools and resources to provide equitable and safe care to LEP adults diagnosed with cancer. To improve the care of LEP patients, nurses suggested the use of resources such as an assigned unit interpreter, an increase in bilingual nursing staff, dual language materials, and free language lessons.

Measuring Cultural Awareness Among Slovene Nursing Student: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Measurements of nursing students' cultural awareness are needed to evaluate education that intends to improve nurses' cultural competency skills. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of cultural awareness held by undergraduate nursing students. Method: A nonexperimental, cross-sectional design was applied to a purposive sample of 149 undergraduate nursing students. Data were collected based on the Cultural Awareness Scale (CAS). Results: The results show that the nursing students had a moderately high level of cultural awareness for all CAS subscales (M = 194.0). However, no statistically significant differences were seen between the students' demographic (gender and age) and other data (year of study and religion) related to the overall CAS score (p > .05). Discussion: Building on the satisfactory results obtained from this study, in the future, both the transcultural nursing contents as well as various strategies for teaching cultural competencies should be carefully evaluated.

Developing a Co-Curricular Activity to Introduce Student Pharmacists to the Cultural Proficiency Continuum Framework.

As the United States becomes more culturally diverse, health professionals must be able to demonstrate competency in caring for a multitude of diverse patients. The cultural proficiency continuum has proven to be an effective framework to assess where individuals and institutions are on the continuum of cultural sensitivity and competence in educational settings. A co-curricular activity was developed as an exercise in self-awareness to allow first year pharmacy students the opportunity to explore potential biases by evaluating comfort in both social and patient care settings. The 90-minute activity employed a lecture, followed by both small and large group discussions and a debriefing session. Student survey responses showed their appreciation of this framework and its application to patient-centered care. Student self-rated knowledge increased by 3 points on a 10-point scale after completion of the activity. Students agreed that their level of cultural awareness would lead them to respond appropriately in cross-cultural situations, and that the provision of care is dependent on approaches that are culturally proficient. This activity dismantles the misconception of cultural competence as an attainable finite skill, but instead presents it as an ongoing process of self-awareness. The co-curricular activity offers an easy to implement model of education that could potentially fit the needs of pharmacy programs searching for ideas to teach cultural competency and social determinants of health, while circumventing the need to affect curricular structure.