Understanding beyond language
Working well with people from different cultures takes more than a good interpreter. Polyglot Connect’s intercultural training helps professionals communicate with confidence, and helps newcomers understand life and work in Ireland.
Our sessions are designed and delivered by practitioners with first-hand experience of migration and frontline work with international protection applicants, backed by academic training in refugee integration.
For organisations
Practical workshops for teams who work with migrants, refugees and international protection applicants: healthcare staff, social workers, educators, legal professionals, local authorities, NGOs and employers.
Working effectively with interpreters
How to brief an interpreter, run a three-way conversation, and avoid common mistakes in medical, legal and social care settings.
Cultural awareness
The context behind communication styles, family structures, gender roles, religion and attitudes to authority, with a focus on Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East, Ukraine and East Africa.
Trauma-informed communication
Recognising the impact of forced migration and adapting how you ask questions, give information and build trust.
Intercultural teams
Supporting colleagues from diverse backgrounds and building an inclusive workplace.
For newcomers
Orientation sessions, delivered in the participants’ own languages, that explain how things work in Ireland:
- Irish workplace culture, from job interviews to everyday expectations
- Navigating healthcare, education and public services
- Rights, responsibilities and where to get help
We deliver these sessions in partnership with NGOs, reception centres, ETBs and community organisations.
How it works
- Formats
- 90-minute online workshops, half-day or full-day in-person sessions, or a tailored programme for your team
- Group size
- Up to 25 participants
- Languages
- Delivered in English, with newcomer sessions available in Pashto, Dari, Urdu, Arabic and other languages
- Certificate
- Every participant receives a certificate of attendance for CPD records
- Location
- Online across Ireland, or in person in Galway, Dublin and nationwide
Our approach
We treat culture as context, not as a set of stereotypes. Every individual is different, so our training gives people frameworks and practical skills, not fixed rules about how any group behaves.
Book a session
Tell us about your team and what you need, and we’ll design a session that fits.