Study location	Netherlands, Maastricht
Type	Summer Courses, Full-time
Nominal duration	1 week (2 ECTS)
Study language	English
Course code	MSS3015

Tuition fee	€399 one-time

Entry qualification

Enrolled as an Undergraduate student or Undergraduate diploma Student should have experience in working in intercultural teams in different settings. The course is ideal for individuals with an interest in understanding cultural diversity and developing practical skills for effective communication in global or multicultural contexts. Students should come with an open mind, a willingness to engage in group activities, and an interest in exploring new perspectives. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Language requirements	English The language of the course is English, so we expect a fluent level and the ability to follow and participate in class.

More information	maastrichtsummerschool.nl

Overview

Course Description
In our globalized world, being able to work in intercultural teams and settings is more important than ever. Yet, this comes with a number of challenges, and requires not only a good understanding of our own as well as other cultures but also the right tools and techniques to overcome obstacles that might arise. This course is designed to help you understand and navigate the complexities of communication in a globalized world. A combination of theory combined with practical, hands-on exercises, it offers a deep dive into how values, beliefs, and traditions shape the way we connect with others. Through interactive activities like case studies and role-playing, you’ll develop the skills to communicate effectively, adapt to different cultural settings, and handle conflicts with sensitivity and understanding. The course is structured around lectures and interactive in class sessions as well as individual and group activities outside of class.

Goals
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Understand and apply key theoretical frameworks of culture to analyse intercultural interactions;
• Develop practical strategies for effective communication across diverse cultural settings;
• Apply conflict resolution techniques to manage and navigate intercultural misunderstandings;
• Evaluate cultural norms and behaviours to adapt communication styles appropriately;
• Design and implement interactive activities to foster collaboration in multicultural teams.

Recommend Literature
The course will rely on a mix of text books (individual chapters). Where necessary and appropriate journal articles will be added to the syllabus. All materials are available via the Maastricht University library or are open access.
• Piller, I. (2017). Intercultural communication : a critical introduction(Second edition). Edinburgh University Press. 0-www.cambridge.org.pugwash.lib.warwick.ac.uk/core/product/identifier/9781474412926/type/BOOKAhrndt, S., &
• Open Textbook Library. (2020). Intercultural Communication. University of Missouri – St. Louis. Https://open.umn.edu/open textbooks/textbooks/939
• Griffin, B. (2017). Intercultural communication : strategies, challenges and research. Nova Science Publishers. search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1531034 Chen, L. (2017). Interculturalcommunication. De Gruyter Mouton. doi.org/10.1515/9781501500060

Teaching Methods
Interactive Class

Assessment Methods
Assignment, Participation, Final Paper

Course Coordinators
Ortrun Merkle