Crossing Borders, Connecting Hearts: Empowering Intercultural Communication (1 week in Athens)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Dates

2025: 17.02.2025 – 22.02.2025 | 23.06.2025 – 28.06.2025 | 14.07.2025 – 19.07.2025 | 06.10.2025 – 11.10.2025

2026: To be announced (Ask for dates)

Intro

Overview:

In our globalised, interconnected world, the ability to communicate effectively across cultures is an essential skill. This one-week course invites educators, youth workers and leaders from diverse backgrounds to embark on a transformative journey of exploring intercultural communication. Participants will gain insights, strategies, and practical tools to foster mutual understanding, empathy, and meaningful connections in their educational contexts.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for educators, youth workers and leaders at all levels, including primary, secondary, and higher education, as well as individuals passionate about promoting intercultural communication in diverse settings. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in cross-cultural dialogue while traveling with Erasmus+.

Objectives:

• Develop a deep understanding of intercultural communication and global citizenship concepts
• Promote empathy, respect, and effective communication across cultural boundaries
• Acquire practical strategies for integrating intercultural competence into teaching
• Explore diverse perspectives and experiences from educators worldwide
• Enhance intercultural communication skills

Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Global Citizenship and Intercultural Communication

• Introduction to key concepts and theories in active, global citizenship and intercultural communication
• Reflecting on personal experiences and biases
• Understanding the importance of cultural awareness in education

Module 2: Effective Cross-Cultural Communication

• Strategies for building trust and rapport across cultures
• Non-verbal communication and cultural nuances
• Addressing challenges and resolving conflicts in intercultural contexts
• Team-building activities

Module 3: Intercultural and Inclusive Competence in Education

• Sharing of best practices among European participants
• Integrating intercultural competence into the curriculum
• Developing inclusive teaching practices that embrace diversity
• Case studies of successful intercultural education initiatives

Module 4: Empathy and Perspective-Taking

• Empathy-building exercises and activities
• Developing the ability to see the world through others’ eyes
• Fostering understanding and respect in diverse classrooms

Module 5: Exploring Cultural Identities

• Encouraging open discussions about cultural identities
• Sharing personal stories and experiences
• Strategies for celebrating diversity and inclusion in educational settings

Module 6: Practical Implementation and Collaborative Initiatives

• Round up and Reflection
• Designing intercultural projects and activities
• Collaborative discussions and action planning
• Building a network of educational institutions to foster intercultural dialogue among students in Europe

This course offers a unique opportunity to bridge cultural divides, promote empathy, and empower educators to become champions of intercultural communication in their teaching practices. Join us in this transformative journey of “Crossing Borders, Connecting Hearts” and discover the power of intercultural understanding in education.

See all available Erasmus+ courses we offer.

Destination:

Athens. The city with the most glorious history in the world, a city worshipped by gods and people, a magical city. The enchanting capital of Greece has always been a birthplace for civilization. It is the city where democracy was born and most of the wise men of ancient times. The most important civilization of ancient world flourished in Athens and relives through some of the world’s most formidable edifices.

Who hasn’t heard of the Acropolis of Athens? Photos and history of the most famous archaeological monument in Europe is admired by thousands of people. Acropolis is nominated to be one of the 7 wonders of modern world. In fact the trademark of Athens is one of the favorites. The Holy Rock of Acropolis dates back to the 5th BC, the famous Golden Age of Periklis. Athens met times of bloom and decline, but still shines under the Attic sky gazing the future. Still sparkling like the marbles of Parthenon and the limpid white of Pentelic marble.