The aim of this course is to raise students' awareness of the factors that influence communication in diverse professional environments. It introduces key concepts and approaches from intercultural communication and intercultural management. Through experiential learning and reflective practice, students will develop the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to work and communicate across cultures in international and multicultural settings. 

The course will be taught in English.

After completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define “culture” as a complex, dynamic concept and anticipate the impact of cultural backgrounds on personal, professional, and organization contexts in a globalised work environment.
• Demonstrate increased awareness of their own and others’ preferences, communication styles, and cultural identities, and reflect on how these influence interactions in multicultural and international workplace settings.
• Critically examine stereotypes and prejudices, with a focus on how such biases can undermine collaboration, decision-making, and inclusivity in professional environments.
• Analyse intercultural communication and critical incidents using multiple frameworks, and develop strategies for navigating diverse workplace contexts and team dynamics.
• Develop empathy, tolerance of ambiguity, and reflective thinking to navigate global workplace environments, supported by experiential activities like role plays, simulations, and group work.

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 components:

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

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

This course is open to students who would like to acquire Global Mindset credits.

PLEASE NOTE: Waiting list registration applies to this course.

This means you first sign up for the waiting list within the specified time frame. The number of places in the course is set to "0" during this time - this does not mean that the course is booked out at that moment. Places will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

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