Intercultural Communication for Experts (online)
"This course has it all, theory (not too much), practice exercises, and great discussion throughout. Arjan's knowledge is both vast and deep. ”
- Peter Novak, Professor Emeritus and founder, Strictly Speaking Group
This is an (online) course for those that want to build not just competence, but expertise in intercultural communication. This course provides a deep dive into this field from an
academic perspective,
yet with constant attention for practical application.
How
Building on up-to-date academic knowledge of interculturality and diversity, we will discuss relevant theories, studies and models and use them as a source for reflection and intervention. While deeply rooted in theory and research, we will constantly have an eye for practical implications and applications. We will mainly focus on diversity in nationality, ethnicity and religion, yet often in relation to (and relevant to) other dimensions of difference. All sessions will involve interactive presentation of theory, as well as discussion and exercises. The course is in English, and generally draws an international group of participants.
Background
This professional course is based on an academic course that has been taught at various universities in several countries and is further adapted for professionals and practitioners. It largely follows the book ‘Diversity Competence-Cultures Don’t Meet, People Do’ (By Edwin Hoffman and Arjan Verdooren), in combination with additional sources.
For who
Anyone interested in deepening their knowledge and competence in this topic, in relation to for example:
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
- Human Resources/ Learning and Development
- International cooperation/ business
- Internationalisation
- Migration and integration
- Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism
- Mediation or people of trust
- Training/coaching
- Education
By who
Arjan Verdooren has been associated with KIT Institute for over two decades and provides this course as an institutional partner to the Institute. He has extensive experience with professional training and consultancy for a wide range of organizations. In addition, he has lectured at various universities, including the University of Gothenburg and the HTW University Berlin. He is the co-author (with Edwin Hoffman) of ‘Diversity Competence-Cultures Don’t Meet, People Do’ (Coutinho, 2018). Arjan specializes in the connection between theory and practice in the fields of Diversity & Inclusion and Intercultural Communication.
What is the content?
The course consists of seven online Zoom sessions of 2,5 hours each.
The course is open to participants worldwide and will run in English.
The sessions will have the following topics:
- Culture and intercultural interaction
- Values and worldviews
- Identity and power
- (Non)Verbal Language
- Intercultural ethics and dialogue
- Communication and the TOPOI model
- Intercultural learning
For more info on the course content, see below
Cost
- €899 (€675 early bird rate) for employees of organisations*
- €575 (€425 early bird rate) - for self-employed individuals*
- €195 for job seekers or students (verification required)
* Early-bird discount is valid until July 24th 2026
Students, job seekers and people from lower or middle income economies are encouraged to get in touch to discuss the possibilities.
Period.
The course is offered twice a year.
Next course: Autumn 2026
Dates:
- September 17th,
- October 1st, 15th, 29th,
- November 12th and 26th,
- December 10th
Time: 13.00-15.30 CET
All sessions are recorded in case you are unable to attend incidentally.