Charlotte-Ben Micallef has recently been awarded the degree of Masters in Transcultural Counselling by the University of Malta and that of Community Counselling by the University of Maryland, College Park.

In part fulfilment of the degrees one needs to undergo extensive traditional training and contemporary counselling theory and practice in an environment of various cultural viewpoints and exchanges. Reading for these degrees has augmented the skills needed to be a professional transcultural counsellor in Malta and the world.

Examples of such skills are, adapting one’s own worldview to the socio-cultural context one is working in, being aware that each client brings in their own culture with them and being able to surpass these different cultural realities.

Also in part-fulfilment of the degrees, one needs to embark on a research project, which leads to the publication of the thesis Seeking Ways of Life: Universal-Diverse Orientation Amongst University of Malta Students. 

The research adopts a trans-disciplinary philosophy and a broad conceptualisation of cultural diversity. It explores the students’ interest, comfort and appreciation of both similarities and differences perceived in others. The study took place among University of Malta students attending during the scholastic year 2013/2014, predominantly white Maltese; 97% of the sample scored above the mid-score of the tool used indicating positive campus climate environment. Females and respondents, who have travelled, evidenced higher UDO scores. Race/nationality and level of study were found to interact with UDO scores.

There is a need for psycho-education, diversity programmes that focus on the prevention of racism, disrespect and dehumanisation. These programmes might help to foster a more inclusive institution and society by reducing empathy barriers and affect the willingness to work with others from diverse backgrounds.

 

The research work disclosed in this publication is funded by the Strategic Educational Pathways Scholarship (Malta). The scholarship is part-financed by the European Union – European Social Fund (ESF) under Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007 – 2013, Empowering People for More Jobs and a better Quality of Life.