Intercultural Training for Doctoral Students

Join a unique five-session online program with doctoral peers across the globe!

The Global Universities for Societal Impact (GUSI) network, which comprises Emory University, University of Bonn, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI), Waseda University and the University of St Andrews, will offer a five-session, online intercultural training for doctoral students from all disciplines.

Build intercultural competencies for research and career development,
Strengthen your global academic network and
Gain tools to navigate diverse professional networks.

Dates and Registration

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Registration deadline is November 28, 2025

What can you expect from the program?

The interactive online format offers the unique opportunity to exchange experiences and learn from your international peers at our partner universities. This initiative aims to strengthen intercultural communication, deepen cultural awareness, and foster international research networks. It provides doctoral students with an exciting opportunity to connect with peers across global institutions, exchange perspectives, and develop competencies essential for thriving in diverse academic environments.

01.

Opening Session

The first session introduces the GUSI network and program, connects you with your peers, and gathers your input to shape future sessions so that the training directly supports your research, career, and intercultural collaboration.

02.

Cultural Self-Awareness

This session focuses on cultural self-awareness as the foundation of intercultural competence. Participants explore their own identities, values, cultural lens, and communication styles through reflective exercises and discussions.

03.

Understanding Others

This session introduces participants to intercultural communication across cultures, emphasizing the importance of recognizing cultural differences and avoiding stereotypes. It explores cultural generalizations, value differences, sources of misunderstanding, and strategies for mutual adaptation.

04.

Intercultural Competencies

This session deepens participants’ understanding of intercultural competencies and how to apply them to their lives as doctoral students in multicultural contexts. Activities, discussions and the DIVE model help participants practice empathy, cognitive flexibility, and open-mindedness.

05.

Reflection

The final session brings everything together in a capstone exchange where you share insights gained, reflect on new skills and networks, and help shape future GUSI activities that can support your research journey.

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Why join?

Learning outcomes of the five-session series will be:

Understanding what defines culture, intercultural communication, and competence
Reflecting on personal cultural values and communication styles
Recognizing how intersectionality and cultural lenses shape perceptions
Distinguishing between cultural stereotypes and generalizations
Identifying sources of intercultural misunderstanding
Practicing empathy, flexibility, and open-mindedness in cross-cultural settings

Who can sign up?

The training is open to doctoral students from all disciplines, preferably (but not limited to) in their 2nd or 3rd year.

Who is selected?

Places are limited as only a small number of doctoral students from each universtiy can take part. So register quickly!

Do I get a certificate?

Yes, a certificate will confirm your attendance in all five sessions.

Global Universities for Societal Impact (GUSI)

The Global Universities for Societal Impact (GUSI) network brings together five leading universities from four continents. Working collaboratively, they address urgent global challenges — from artificial intelligence to climate action — linking academic excellence with a strong sense of societal responsibility.

Learn more