COURSES

Content

This course equips students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to communicate effectively in diverse, online, and pluricultural contexts. Emphasizing both verbal and non-verbal communication, the course enables students to explore the impact of cultural norms, language differences, and digital etiquette in virtual interactions. Through case studies, critical incidences, and collaborative projects, learners will develop strategies for overcoming communication barriers, fostering inclusivity, reflecting critically on situations, and building intercultural competence in professional and academic settings.

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, students will have the…

• Ability to recognize and adapt to communication styles in diverse online settings.
• Ability to apply appropriate language and tone across digital platforms.
• Capacity to critically analyze and reflect on communication challenges and pluricultural misunderstandings.
• Capacity for effective participation in group work in online, pluricultural contexts.
• Ability to identify and overcome communication barriers related to language, culture, and technology.

Programme

• Lesson 1: Introduction to intercultural communication and digital communication norms
• Lesson 2: Building Virtual Teamwork and Inclusion
• Lesson 3: Culture and Communication Styles
• Lesson 4: Digital Communication Platforms and Etiquette
• Lesson 5: Language Use and Clarity in Plurilingual Contexts
• Lesson 6: Managing Misunderstandings and (Digital) Conflict
• Lesson 7: Visual Communication and Pluricultural Sensitivity
• Lesson 8: Narrative strategies that resonate in different cultural contexts
• Lesson 9: Designing interaction strategies
• Lesson 10: Pulling together and delivering the campaign with sensitivity and clarity
• Lesson 11: Critical reflection on learning and growth in intercultural competence
• Lesson 12-13: Oral assessment

Teaching method(s)

• one 100-minute synchronous session per week
• synchronous group work activities (self-regulating groups)
• self-study activities
• Combination of theoretical approaches with practical project work

Assessment method(s)

Form of assessment:

• Reflective journal
• Interactive analysis discussion

Timing for assessment:

• Regular journal entries max. 5 pages
• Discussions approx. 10 minutes per student

Further requirements for assessment:

• Regular attendance and active participation, simulations of situations of online interaction

Calculation of the examination mark: pass/fail

Lecturers

Ashley Chandler (University of Göttingen)

Course dates

One online session each Wednesday from 12:15-13:55 (CEST/CET) starting 28 October 2026 until 10 February 2026. No class on 30 December 2026, or 6 January 2027. Regular participation required (no more than two absences).

Teaching and learning materials available on Moodle

Entry requirements: none

Students from all ENLIGHT partner universities are eligible to participate. Students who meet the requirements mentioned above apply directly to the host university through Application link. Before applying, students should check with their home faculty or programme whether the course can be included in their curriculum and whether the credits will be recognised. Students from Ghent University must obtain faculty approval by completing this form and having it signed by the Faculty Student Administration.

The host university will select the permitted number of students, inform the students as soon as possible following the application deadline (30^th September 2026). Selection of course participants will be based on entry requirements and available course capacities. Selection will refer to a “first come first serve” principle across partner universities, i. e. the first applications from each university will be selected to increase diversity in the course. Unsuccessful students will be placed on a waiting list and may get a place in case of drop outs at a later stage.

Transcript of Records will be available to students by the end of February 2027.

Contact your ENLIGHT coordinator for further information on the application process or consult the linked information:

• University of the Basque Country: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• University of Bern: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at the University of Bern
• University of Bordeaux: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  
• Comenius University Bratislava: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• University of Galway: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Ghent University: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIP's and virtual courses
• University of Groningen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• University of Göttingen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for BIP’s) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (other courses)
• University of Tartu: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIP’s and virtual courses
• Uppsala University: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at Uppsala University

If you have questions about the course (content, structure, requirements, etc.), please contact:

Ashley Chandler, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.