Group communication and processes may be affected by differing cultural and racial backgrounds of group members. To assess these influences and to evaluate course offerings in group dynamics, six foreign and non-white student participants in the Group Practicum at Columbia University were interviewed individually for 1 hour. To balance the findings, two American group facilitators and one Jewish female participant were also interviewed. The results indicated that the patterns of group silence, the meaning attached to group leaders', authority, and sharing of feelings were all influenced by participants' cultural background. The findings suggest that the group process can help to develop cultural sensitivity in interpersonal relationships. (BH)