About Us
I Am Intercultural publishes books for people who want to understand themselves, relate across cultural differences, and grow in the ways they live, lead, learn, and serve.
Books for development, not merely information
Our books are not simply catalogs of cultural differences or step-by-step manuals for intercultural work. They are designed to facilitate growth in self-awareness, cultural understanding, personal leadership, reflective practice, and relational ability.
Developmental process
Informed by applied pedagogy and intercultural development theory, our books are intended to guide readers through processes that both support and challenge them as they seek to understand themselves and their own cultures as a starting point for understanding others.
Complexity and uncertainty
We delight in making room and holding space for difficult questions.
Intercultural life cannot be reduced to a list of differences or a how-to guide. As people discover the extent to which their own culture has shaped their core assumptions about life, they can be unsettled by the threat to their sense of certainty. Instead of running away from these questions, we press into them and create opportunities for contemplation. The practice of reflection-and-action becomes the foundation for long-term healthy intercultural work and relationships.
For Christian ministry and broader readership
Much of our catalog is written by and for Christian ministry professionals who work across cultures and train others to do so. Our books take seriously the complexity of the body of Christ and the responsibility to serve from within and alongside our communities, rather than imposing from the outside.
Some of our books are also written with a broader audience in mind, including readers who may not share our faith commitments. We honor all of our readers and appreciate the opportunity to enter into honest conversation, a growing sense of openness, and a deeper practice of reflection as we continue developing together.
Theory and reflection
Our first book, Transitions Across Cultures, was written because Stephen Jones realized that, although there were very useful academic works dealing with culture shock and related themes, many people who were actually experiencing these realities lacked awareness of or access to those ideas. In the same way, we continue to work to bring theory into language practitioners can understand and apply.
While theory itself can be very useful, we recognize that it is through applied critical reflection that practitioners actually grow and develop. Knowing a theory is not the same thing as developing the capacity to apply the insights it offers. As practitioners implement theoretical insights through reflection, they can also shape further theoretical development through their hands-on insights.
Thank you
Thank you for joining us on this journey. As part of the Envision Berlin, e.V. publishing family, we delight in the intersection of faith, art, and culture, and welcome diverse perspectives. We look forward to an ongoing conversation with you. If you have a book idea you think we might be interested in, let us know using the form below.