Intercultural Communication – Short course

Is this you? 

Are you going on exchange studies? Are you a joint master’s degree student planning your exchange studies? Are you an academic planning teaching abroad?  Are you an employee going on a business trip to another university? 

Maybe you are not interested in going on an exchange but are still interested in cultural awareness. 

Then search no more! You have come to the right place. 

CHARM-EU is happy to offer you intercultural preparation modules in the format of videos and presentations!  

In the short (less than one hour), introductory module, we invite you to join us on a captivating journey through cultures. Our concise, one-hour video module delves into the fascinating world of intercultural dynamics, covering topics like, time, space, communication, categorisation and stereotyping.  

The four objectives of the module are:  

  1. to develop awareness of intercultural differences and commonalities.  
  2. to share and reflect on examples and challenges of intercultural encounters.  
  3. to develop self-awareness regarding cultural values, norms, and beliefs; and  
  4. to navigate cultural differences effectively.  

So, if this sounds like something you are interested in, do not hesitate, watch the video below!  

In the extended module, you will be able to deepen your intercultural awareness by following three submodules.

Submodule 1: Identity and Biases in Intercultural Contexts

This presentation focuses on how identity, biases, and stereotypes shape intercultural interactions. Topics include:

  • The dynamics of individual and group identities in diverse contexts.
  • The impact of stereotypes, prejudices, and socially constructed biases on intercultural understanding.
  • Exploring the concept of “otherness” and reflecting critically on the interplay between cultural norms and identity.

Goal: Equip learners with tools to identify and deconstruct biases, understand identity dynamics, and foster inclusive perspectives.

Submodule 2: Empathy, Perspective, and Cultural Expression

This presentation explores the role of empathy, creative expression, and shifting perspectives in fostering intercultural understanding. Topics include:

  • Using art, literature, and culture to deepen intercultural empathy and awareness.
  • Encouraging perspective-taking and interpreting communication within a cultural context.
  • Promoting reflection on individual cultural identities and their transformation through intercultural encounters.

Goal: Inspire participants to develop empathy, explore diverse viewpoints, and appreciate cultural expressions as pathways to interculturality.

Submodule 3: Intercultural Communication and Adaptation

This presentation examines how people navigate communication and relationships across cultures. Topics include:

  • Strategies to handle cross-cultural communication challenges, including cultural incidents and misunderstandings.
  • Developing intercultural competence and enhancing adaptation skills, especially for individuals in new cultural environments.
  • Encouraging open-mindedness and self-reflection to build stronger connections with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Goal: Enhance communication skills and adaptive capabilities, enabling participants to engage effectively and thoughtfully in diverse environments.