INSTILLING A GLOBAL MINDSET THROUGH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Developing Intercultural Competence
Sunday Goshit, Ph.D.
30 YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Dr. Sunday Goshit is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of International Studies at the University of Iowa and an Instructor of Intercultural Competence for the Kirkwood Community College Corporate Training Program. He has worked in disability services for over a decade. From 1995 to 2000, he taught Geography in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Jos. Prior to that, from 1988 to 1995, he worked with the World Bank–assisted Plateau State Agricultural Development Programme. Between 1986 and 1988, he taught high school Geography at Gonerit Memorial College. From 1985 to 1986, he served in Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, teaching at Idofin High School in Kwara State.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Dr. Goshit earned a Ph.D. in Physical Geography with an emphasis on Synoptic Climatology from the University of Iowa in December 2009. He also holds two master’s degrees from the same institution – one in Geography and another in Information Science. He graduated with a B.Sc. (Second Class Upper Division) in Geography from the University of Jos in 1985 and later obtained a Master of Science in Environmental Resource Planning from the same university in 1996. In addition, he holds an Associate of Science degree in Web Technologies and certificates in Excel, Web Design, Web Technology, and Database, all from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
EXPERTISE IN CULTURAL COMPETENCY & GLOBAL CONTEXT
Dr. Goshit is highly regarded for his expertise in conducting cultural competency training, particularly for adult learners in professional and organizational settings. His work emphasizes the critical need for intercultural understanding and sensitivity in today’s increasingly interconnected world. Drawing on both academic and practical experience, he helps professionals navigate cross-cultural dynamics, fostering inclusive environments and stronger interpersonal relationships. Dr. Goshit understands that adult learners benefit from applied, context-rich learning experiences that connect global insights to local realities. His trainings and teachings advocate for the universal importance of cultivating international awareness as a foundation for making meaningful local impact – leading to healthier communities, more equitable workplaces, and productive, respectful employee relationships grounded in best practices.
Creative Conversations with Dr. Goshit
GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE IS A LIFELONG JOURNEY WHICH REQUIRES HUMILITY AND DESIRE TO CONTINUE GROWING
Intercultural development training is a research-based approach designed to enhance individuals’ and organizations’ ability to engage effectively across cultural differences. Grounded in the Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) and its validated theory, the Intercultural Development Continuum, this training emphasizes growth over judgment, helping participants move from limited awareness to deeper understanding and adaptive behavior in diverse settings.
Unlike diversity trainings that often focus on compliance or cultural facts, intercultural development training uses a psychometric assessment to reveal how people make sense of and respond to cultural difference. It measures both mindset and skillset, offering actionable insights that guide individuals and groups through a personalized development process. Participants are supported in shifting perspectives, improving interactions, and fostering more inclusive and effective environments.
A key value of this approach lies in its ability to transform interpersonal and organizational dynamics. By developing intercultural competence, individuals become better equipped to build trust, resolve conflict, and make contextually informed decisions. This results in stronger teams, healthier communities, and more productive work relationships—benefits that extend beyond professional spaces and into the broader social fabric
