KCT Interculturality Networking Event: Building Bridges in CHARM-EU

KCT Interculturality Networking Event: Building Bridges in CHARM-EU

The KCT Interculturality Networking Event, a hybrid workshop spanning two sessions, brought together educators and experts committed to fostering intercultural education within the CHARM-EU Alliance. The workshops served as a hub for networking, collaborative curriculum development, and the sharing of best practices in building intercultural competence.

KCT Meeting

The first workshop took place online on 22nd January, 2025. This session introduced participants to CHARM-EU and set the stage for the subsequent in-person workshops in Barcelona. Attendees explored the current state of interculturality which included a course on that topic, showcasing practical efforts already underway. To prepare for the Barcelona workshops, participants were also asked to consider guiding questions designed to identify their areas of expertise.

The Barcelona workshops were held on 29th and 30th January, 2025. The first phase focused on introductions and structured networking, including a “speed dating” session to spark ideas and identify potential collaborations. The core of the workshops consisted of sprint sessions dedicated to developing content for the extended Intercultural Preparation Course. Teams collaborated to define:

  • learning outcomes and objectives,
  • design learning activities focused on intercultural competence, and
  • determine the role of assessment.

Iterative feedback from peers fostered a co-creative environment that enriched the module’s development.

A networking lunch provided an opportunity for informal discussions and relationship building. The afternoon workshops featured group pitches, where participants presented their lecture designs for peer review. This interactive and iterative approach ensured that the developed content was refined and aligned with CHARM-EU’s goals. The day concluded with a wrap-up session summarising key takeaways and outlining the next day’s activities, followed by a joint dinner that further encouraged professional networking.

The second day focused on refining and structuring the lecture materials. Teams worked to finalise the module components, preparing all materials for integration into the broader curriculum. The final wrap-up session outlined next steps, assigned responsibilities, and established deadlines for continued collaboration. Participants also brainstormed additional initiatives to enhance intercultural education within CHARM-EU. A concluding networking lunch allowed for final reflections and the strengthening of professional networks before the event formally closed.

The KCT Interculturality Networking Event fostered collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of an extended Intercultural Preparation course tailored to CHARM-EU’s pedagogical objectives. By combining virtual and in-person workshops, the event maximised inclusivity and ensured contributions from a diverse group of experts. The outcomes of this event will strengthen intercultural competence among students and cultivate an inclusive academic environment across partner institutions.