As opportunities to live, work, and study abroad become increasingly more common, individuals who experience the most success abroad understand they must develop intercultural awareness and communication skills, as well as strategies to manage the psychological transition inherent to living in a new culture. This interactive workshop will provide a comprehensive exploration of the international assignment cycle, including common challenges and corresponding strategies for success; the importance of developing intercultural competency in social and professional contexts; and the impact of full-cycle program design to support employees, students, and volunteers before, during, and after their international assignment. Through readings, discussions, experiential activities, and on-going self-reflection, students will gain a greater understanding of the selection process; pre-departure orientation; in-country support; and repatriation challenges. Students will integrate what they’ve learned in the course; their own cultural self-awareness and reflection; and the shared intercultural experiences of their MIIS peers in a culminating project of their choice. Working individually or collaboratively, students will develop a support program for international assignees in their professional sector of interest or they may opt to craft a personal plan to further develop their own intercultural competency on a current or future international assignment.