Cultural competence, also known as intercultural competence is the ability to be aware of your own cultural beliefs and values and have the capacity to understand, communicate and effectively interact with people across different cultures. This includes the potential to engage ethically and efficiently in both a personal and professional intercultural setting. For example, teachers who are respectful of diversity and are culturally competent will honour the differences of students and avoid assumptions due to their appearances and in their teachings have a great understanding and respect of the histories, cultures and traditions of alternate groups. Another example of cultural competence would include a traveller who acquires some of the local language to display respect to the native culture. Cultural competence not only benefits the native culture through a displayed respect but also creates a more effective communicator to the alternate person.

Personally I believe I obtain a considerable amount of cultural competence as I have both understanding and respect towards different cultures. I maintain this respect in both personal and professional situations and try to a high extent to learn and take interest in traditions, history and culture of other lifestyles. I feel doing so extends and broadens my knowledge on certain things surrounding culture and enhances my communicating skills.