(Columbia, TN - May 16, 2011) - - - Research has proven that cross-cultural competence and communication skills are important for people when they live abroad or meet someone from another culture. Columbia State Community College's Center for Economic and Workforce Development will be conducting an Inter-cultural Communications with the Japanese course on May 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6- 8 p.m. at Columbia State's Clifton campus.

Cultural studies focus on comparing and contrasting two different cultures, while cross-cultural communication focuses on effectively managing communications between people of different cultures. It is the goal of this 6-week course to examine aspects of cross-cultural communication and to present strategies that can be used to further connect participants with the Japanese people.

The class fee is $35. To register for the class, call (931) 540-2659.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.