CultureCraft: Scenario-based Learning with Conversational AI Agents to Enhance Intercultural Communication Competence
Imagine a student standing in the heart of a bustling foreign metropolis, paralysed not by a language barrier, but by the subtle, unspoken nuances of a high-stakes professional exchange. For many, the transition from a local classroom to a global internship is fraught with the fear of a cultural faux pas—those invisible walls that can hinder collaboration before a word is even spoken. Traditional textbooks often fail to capture the visceral pulse of these interactions, leaving students to navigate complex social-emotional landscapes without a safety net.
Led by Prof. Richard LI, Assistant Professor of Department of Applied Social Science, CultureCraft is a pioneering conversational-AI platform that transforms cultural anxiety into confident competence. Conceived as a collaborative bridge between faculty expertise and student insight, the project replaces static learning with a living, breathing digital dojo. Here, students engage with AI personas in realistic simulations of the very scenarios they will encounter during overseas exchanges and internships. Whether it is navigating a delicate negotiation in a Tokyo boardroom or managing a collaborative conflict in a London creative hub, CultureCraft provides a "low-risk, high-reward" environment where learners can experiment, stumble, and refine their approach without real-world consequences.
What sets this project apart is its foundation in evidence-based pedagogy and an award-winning AI system originally designed for social-emotional mastery. It is not merely a chatbot; it is a reflective partner. After each simulation, the platform provides guided feedback, allowing students to deconstruct their choices and understand the cultural "why" behind every reaction. Built with rigorous ethical guardrails, the technology ensures that every interaction is inclusive, authentic, and constructive, preparing the next generation of global citizens to lead with empathy and precision.
By integrating these advanced simulations into the curriculum, CultureCraft serves as an innovative initiative for PolyU Education 4.0. This student-centred, AI-empowered model shifts the focus from passive content consumption to active, experiential mastery. As we scale this innovation from targeted exchange cohorts to the wider University community, we are doing more than teaching communication; we are reinforcing our standing as a world-class institution dedicated to pedagogical excellence. Through projects like CultureCraft, we ensure our graduates are not just ready for the world—they are ready to shape it.
This project is awarded under the Teaching Development Grant 2025–28 in the Theme-based Projects category (Individual Project).
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