The aim of this course is to raise awareness of the factors that influence interaction in intercultural settings, to introduce approaches to intercultural communication and intercultural management, and to provide students with tools to enable them to work and communicate effectively across cultures.

The course is taught in ENGLISH.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize culture as a complex construct and anticipate the influence of cultural differences across various areas of life.
• Demonstrate awareness of their own cultural background and reflect on personal preferences and experiences in diverse contexts.
• Critically examine stereotypes and biases, and challenge preconceived notions and representations of other cultures.
• Analyze intercultural interactions and communication processes by considering multiple influencing factors, and develop effective, context-sensitive strategies for dialogue and problem-solving.
• Develop a higher level of empathy, reflective capacity, tolerance for ambiguity, and the ability to engage with diversity through experiential activities such as role plays, simulations, and collaborative projects, and apply these skills effectively in intercultural contexts.
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of the respective host cultures.
• Demonstrate awareness of cultural adaptation processes, reflect on their own experiences, and formulate coping and adjustment strategies.
• Utilize exercises and tools introduced in the course to constructively reflect on upcoming intercultural and international experiences. 

Attendance is mandatory in at least 80% of in-class sessions. Absence is to be agreed upon in advance and has to be compensated for with an academic paper or equivalent task.​

You will receive further details from your course instructor at the start of the course.

The course will involve interactive teaching methods, including cultural simulations, group discussions and presentations.

The assessment of the course will include the following criteria:

• Class participation (20%)
• Group assignment, incl. oral presentation and written report (40%)
• Written final exam (40%)

Grading key (points/percent)

• 90 - 100   Sehr gut (1 - Excellent)
• 80 - 89     Gut (2 - Good)
• 70 - 79     Befriedigend (3 - Satisfactory)
• 60 - 69     Genügend (4 - Sufficient)
• < 60         Nicht genügend (5 - Fail)

The written exam for all participants of cross-cultural competence courses that end before the respective exam date is scheduled at the same time and and is centrally organized. The exam date is included in the course dates (please see above the 2-hour time slot).

The exam will be carried out as a "Remote Take-Home Exam". Details will be communicated at the beginning of the course.

The exam is based on the readings and in-class content/discussions. You can find sample questions on Learn@WU.

You will be informed about the assessment criteria details during the course.

This course is aimed at students who participate in a WU exchange program, after the official nomination by the WU International Office only.

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