Dates: May 18-22, 2026
Place: SWPS University in Warsaw, Poland
SWPS University and ERUA invite Master’s and Bachelor’s level student to participate in an Intensive Course “Intercultural Communication & Understanding: Culture, Identity, and Language in a Globalized Context”, which will take place in Warsaw, Poland, May 18-22, 2026.
About the program
This ERUA intensive course explores intercultural communication, focusing on how culture shapes meaning, interaction, and perception. Through experiential activities, discourse analysis, and case studies, students examine stereotypes, cultural narratives, and communication styles across contexts.
The program emphasizes reflective practice, collaborative problem-solving, and critical thinking. It culminates in an Oxford-style debate, allowing students to integrate insights, apply intercultural skills, and develop strategies for effective communication in diverse settings.
What will you learn?
During the course, you will:
- Master the core principles of intercultural communication and learn how to apply them in global mediation
- Explore how language and thought work together to create meaning across different cultures
- Analyze media and cultural texts to uncover hidden biases, power structures, and social hierarchies
- Identify how language is used in politics and society to create stereotypes or exclude specific groups
- Examine how cultural norms shape professional leadership, communication styles, and persuasion
- Use research-based techniques to identify and resolve misunderstandings in real-world cultural encounters
- Develop practical strategies for managing different cultural approaches to time, feedback, and conflict
- Conduct independent research to build strong, evidence-based arguments on complex global issues
- Participate in a formal Oxford-style debate to sharpen your public speaking and collaborative reasoning skills
- Build a reflective portfolio to document your personal growth and prepare for your future career
Application Process
Before you start your application process, please prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages, format A4, .pdf)
- Grade Point Average (GPA) transcript or a written confirmation of the GPA for the last semester signed by your home university authorities
- CEFR B2 English proficiency certificate, we accept the following certificates: TOEFL, CAE, IELTS, or FCE. Alternatively, a letter confirming your English skills, printed on your home university’s letterhead, signed by one of your university lecturers.
Application deadline: March 13, 2026.
To apply, follow this link and fill in the application form: https://english.swps.pl/we-the-university/our-news-and-events/conferences-and-seminars/35046-intercultural-communication-and-understanding
Funding
Students from ERUA partner universities, other than SWPS University, who are accepted to the program by SWPS University, can apply for travel and accommodation funding at their home university’s ERUA Office.
Organizers
- SWPS University
- European Reform University Alliance
The project is co-funded by the European Union.
