<p>&quot;Think of that spark—the power of a shared idea. Each of us has a spark inside and is ready to illuminate the world,&quot; shares Professor Raul Sanchez, who teaches within the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/aa-in-liberal-arts.html" title="AA in Liberal Arts">AA in Liberal Arts</a> program at NYU SPS. Offered on-site, online, or in a hybrid format, this degree program is the launch pad for students to explore liberal arts and learn how to write effectively and think analytically. That is only the beginning, however, as Professor Sanchez takes his classroom environment to new heights by sharing his intercultural perspective and real-world experiences.</p> <p>We recently caught up with Sanchez to learn more about his background, teaching philosophy, advice to incoming students, and more.</p>

<p><span class="p-body">The notion of centering a sense of purpose as a communications educator is eminently present for Sanchez. &quot;The power of communication resides not only in the courage of sharing ideas, but sharing ideas in service to others,&quot; he explains. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of intercultural business communication in the Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies (DAUS) and serves as the Director of the Intersectionality Lab at NYU's School of Professional Studies, which furthers inclusive practices in academia and industry. He is also the school Chair of the GIDBEA Faculty/Staff Committee, focusing on actualizing principles of global inclusion, diversity, belonging, equity, and access at NYU and beyond.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Prior to joining NYU SPS, he studied at Ohio State University, here at NYU, and at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. With nearly two decades of writing and communications experience, Sanchez brings the expertise of a seasoned professional to the classroom. &quot;I was thrilled to return to my alma mater, NYU, as a full-time faculty member, and began my teaching career at NYU in business communication, journalism, and linguistics,&quot; he shares.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Since becoming an instructor here, Sanchez has published his first book on intercultural communication, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Communicate-Effectively-Anyone-Anywhere/dp/1632651793" target="_blank" title="How to Communicate Effectively with Anyone, Anywhere">How to Communicate Effectively with Anyone, Anywhere</a> (Career Press), co-authored with NYU Professor <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbullock1/" target="_blank" title="Dan Bullock">Dan Bullock</a> and illustrated by award-winning artist <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-sanchez/" target="_blank" title="Rod Sanchez">Rod Sanchez</a>. The book has received significant praise and was the recipient of the Axiom Business Book Award and the Nautilus Book Award.</span></p>

<p>Sanchez attributes his commitment to service and teaching the next generation of leaders to the example set by his late mother. &quot;[She] was a guiding light, and her spirit inspires me every single day,&quot; Sanchez shares. Her legacy lives on through her son's dedication to teaching and service, which students benefit from in the classroom. This inspiration drives him to connect his students' passions to their studies, encouraging them to use communication as a means to serve others and create meaningful change.</p> <p>Sanchez believes that communication is not just about sharing ideas, but about using those ideas to foster understanding and collaboration across cultures. &quot;Collaboration across cultures is the engine to innovation,&quot; he states. His courses are designed to help students develop the cognitive flexibility and adaptability needed to navigate complex cultural landscapes and become effective global communicators.</p>

<p>According to Sanchez, being globally-minded means expanding one's perspective to understand and appreciate the diverse cultural contexts that shape our world. In his intercultural business communication courses, Sanchez challenges students to adopt a global mindset by learning to see the world from a broader, more inclusive viewpoint. By helping students recognize and respect the &quot;patterns of thinking and doing&quot; that define different cultures, Sanchez equips them with the skills necessary to communicate effectively in a globalized era.</p> <p>Sanchez finds immense fulfillment in witnessing his students develop communication versatility—the ability to adapt their communication style to better connect with others. This versatility, he notes, is crucial for success in today's dynamic global marketplace. His teaching extends beyond the classroom, as he collaborates with colleagues at SPS to integrate global citizenship and intercultural communication into course curricula, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.</p>

<p>With over 15 years of experience as a corporate trainer for multinational organizations such as Anheuser-Busch, Deloitte, and the United Nations, Sanchez brings a wealth of real-world knowledge into his teaching. His courses are enriched with case studies and examples drawn from his extensive field experience, offering students practical insights into the application of intercultural communication in various professional contexts. Sanchez's approach to teaching is holistic, with both academic theory and practical skills to prepare students for career success.</p> <p>Another core component of Sanchez's real world classroom is weaving in digital literacy and educational technology practice into his courses with online interactive tools and plug-ins. This helps global professionals communicate more impactfully by enhancing leadership, public speaking, and other vital skills.</p>

<p>Sanchez encourages incoming students to embrace risk-taking as an essential component of effective communication. &quot;Only the person who risks is free,&quot; he advises, urging students to step outside their comfort zones and explore new experiences. He believes that communication has the power to change the world by altering perceptions, and he challenges students to think critically about how they frame their conversations and writings to inspire innovation and foster deeper connections with others.</p> <p>As Sanchez continues to inspire and empower the next generation of global professionals, he remains committed to advancing the field of intercultural communication, both in the classroom and beyond. His dedication to fostering understanding and collaboration across cultures reflects his broader vision for a more connected, empathetic, and innovative world.</p> <p>Are you ready to co-create this vision of the future with us? Join the next cohort of innovators when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/aa-in-liberal-arts.html" title="AA in Liberal Arts">AA in Liberal Arts</a> today.</p>