What happens when you engage fifteen international students with fifteen local students in an intercultural theatre workshop? Magic! ROSEMARY DANSICK describes a wonderful example of the sensitivity and enthusiasm of young people who are able to embrace the challenge of communicating across a cultural divide.

Feeling good about yourself is the basis on which other skills grow.

Cultural competence is critical to international students' successful tertiary study in Australia. In 1990 a compulsory study of Drama, as a prerequisite for entry to university, was pioneered as a means of overcoming the shortfalls of the language-based approach. Paradoxically it is the use of mime, movement and non-verbal activities that build the foundation of confidence and empowerment for the non-native speakers of English. Fourteen years since its inception, the Drama program goes from strength to strength and is more relevant than ever.