Page 5 - euroguidance-insight-newsletter-2016-autumn

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From international and multicultural towards diversity – A

new perspective for guidance

Words such as “international” ugees arrive in our countries, with nice umbrella embracing a wide
or “multicultural” do not have different, languages, traditions and range of aspects in human life.
the same resonance as before. cultures, it creates a multicultural In simple terms, diversity refers
They are a part of our everyday environment, which is not always to similarities and differences
vocabulary and we use them looked upon favourably. among people in terms of age,
somewhat lightly without notic- ethnic background, physical
ing what their true meaning is. At The international dimension is (dis)abilities, worldviews, gen-
the same time we are highly in- something that is constantly pres- der, sexual orientation and many
ternational and multicultural and ent and well integrated into our dai- more. Basically no matter who
therefore it is surprising to real- ly lives, and it should not be seen you are or where you come from,
ise that we still have the need to as something that is isolated or diversity aims to recognise, re-
explicitly pinpoint and emphasise separate from what is meant by na- spect and value people’s differ-
that something is international or tional or domestic. Multiculturalism ences to contribute and realise
multicultural. is here to stay and seen frequently their full potential by promoting
in the field of guidance where the an inclusive culture for us all.
These two words have become client-base is becoming more and
quite value-laden: “international” more mixed. We cannot run away Read more about diversity and
is usually experienced as some- from it when it is already knocking learn about the Diversity Wheel
thing elitist and positive, whereas loudly on our doors. model in the blog by Mr. Mika
“multicultural” is often consid- Launikari, Finland.
ered as posing an unpleasant or Therefore, many guidance practi-
even critical challenge to society. tioners have started talking about Mika Launikari, Euroguidance
Going abroad for studying, train- plurality and diversity to describe Finland
ing or working is normally seen their clientele. These concepts are
as “Wow! You’re so internation- regarded as more neutral and more
al!”, but when thousands of ref- value-free, and they also create a