First ERUA Intensive Course hosted by Viadrina!
From February 16th-20th, 2026, Building Cultural Competence – a practice-oriented international collaboration course brought together 22 participants from all eight partner universities of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) to explore how people from different cultural backgrounds communicate, embrace differences, learn from one another, and work together.
During the seminar, students engaged with different theoretical approaches to culture, intercultural learning, and communication. Exploring the values underlying cultures and how they are reflected in people’s daily lives enabled students to discover links and connections within a diverse society. At the same time, the course placed a strong emphasis on practical experience. Through discussions, group work, and interactive exercises, participants reflected on cultural differences and perspectives, as well as on the challenges of communication across cultural contexts. Some activities used simple tasks and simulations to address topics such as migration experiences, moral dilemmas, cultural values, and decision-making in intercultural situations. Daily reflections and peer feedback helped students connect different theories with their own experiences.
“The seminar created a space for mutual learning and dialogue across cultures and disciplines, encouraging us to question assumptions, share experiences, and develop new approaches to intercultural collaboration.” Anna Georgiadou, Viadrina student
An important part was the international exchange between participants. Students worked in mixed groups, shared perspectives from their own backgrounds, and discussed how intercultural cooperation works in practice. For many participants, the seminar also offered a first insight into the work of ERUA and the possibilities it creates for collaboration between European universities. Beyond the classroom, conversations during breaks and shared activities helped create a sense of community among students from different countries.
“The experience encouraged us to reflect on our own perspectives, to recognise connections across cultures, and to become more confident in intercultural communication.” Serkan Cahit Celik, Viadrina student
The course was offered by Viadrina’s Center for Teaching and Learning and facilitated by Niki Kasis, academic staff and Lead of ERUA’s work in Student Engagement, with Fakhar Hanif, peer-tutor at the Center for Teaching and Learning and ERUA Student Ambassador, supporting in the course implementation. The last day concluded in the Shared Humanity Experience (SHE) Exchange Format, facilitated by Michalina Lorych, German Polish Law Student and ERUA Student Engagement Coach, in collaboration with the Equal Opportunity Department.
Authors: Anna Georgiadou, Anstasiia Barbash, Erika Usenova and Serkan Cahit Celik, Viadrina students and participants of the course.
