Intercultural Competence and Communication in University International Teaching

As internationalization becomes a defining feature of today’s higher education, lecturers (teachers, instructors or moderators) face both complexities and opportunities of working in intercultural contexts. This workshop provides university lecturers with practical tools and critical insights to navigate intercultural challenges and enhance effective teaching in international environments.

Participants will first gain a foundational understanding of intercultural competence - the abilitiy to interact with students from different cultural backgrounds in a learner-oriented and appropriate manner. The workshop will explore three core dimensions: cognitive (knowledge and awareness of cultural differences), affective (openness and curiosity toward cultural diversity), and pragmatic & communication skills (the ability to adapt communication styles in cross-cultural contexts).

Through real-life case discussions and reflective activities, participants will understand the concept of intercultural competence and communication; examine common intercultural misunderstandings in university teaching by drawing connections to their own experiences. Participants will also explore the critical role intercultural competence and communication play in the broader context of international higher education. Finally, the workshop will present practical teaching strategies, approaches, and methods that promote intercultural learning and communication with the aim of helping lecturers become more confident in multicultural learning scenarios.

This session is designed for teachers seeking to enhance their cultural sensitivity and adapt their teaching to meet the needs of international students.

• Foundations of Intercultural Competence and Communication
• Core Dimensions of Intercultural Competence: Cognitive, Affective, and Pragmatic & Communication
• Intercultural Challenges in Higher Education
• Inclusive Intercultural Approaches and Teaching Methods for international environments

After attending the workshop, participants will be able to,

• define intercultural competence and explain its significance in the context of international university teaching.
• describe three key dimensions of intercultural competence — cognitive, affective, and pragmatic/communication — and understand their application in international academic settings.
• analyze real-life intercultural challenges in higher education and reflect on their own teaching practices.
• recognize teaching methods and strategies to enhance intercultural competence and communication in International Higher Education.

You can take part in the workshop either in person or online.

The workshop is held in cooperation with the joint project NIDIT.

• Vielfalt gestalten

• Lehrende

• Richard Vargas

  Mitarbeiter im Projekt „Network for Impactful Digital International Teaching Skills“ (NIDIT), Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen

• Raum/Wegbeschreibung:

  Servicestelle Hochschuldidaktik - Rathenaustraße 10, Multifunktionsraum 326 (3. OG), D-35394 Gießen

• AE: 8

Donnerstag 30.10.2025 09:00 - 12:30 Uhr
Montag 03.11.2025 09:00 - 12:30 Uhr