Intercultural Competence in Berlin

All DMU students are eligible to participate on this opportunity as long as they are enrolled on the extra-curricular Intercultural Competence Course. There is a maximum of 20 places available, with a minimum of 10 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Trip description

Exclusive for the Intercultural Competence Course participants, led by the Global Mobility Office in cooperation with Europa Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) Germany, this trip presents an opportunity for students to immerse themselves into the historically rich, multicultural city of Berlin over 5 days in February. Students will have a chance to collaborate and be involved in cross-cultural interactions with Europa Universität Viadrina students whilst also exploring the neighbouring towns of Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice (Poland).

The group will visit Europa Universität Viadrina campus in Frankfurt (Oder) and participate in planned activities with Viadrina students. There will be opportunities for deep conversations, research and exchange around current relevant issues connected to ecological as well as social justice questions of (global) co-living. On the same day, there will be an opportunity to cross over the Stadtbrücke bridge to visit the Polish town of Słubice where students can observe the visible cultural differences between Germany and Poland in just a few steps.

Provisional plans include DMU students meeting with Viadrina students in Berlin to visit places of interest relating to the course, such as, Futurium. This visit will encourage students to think about sustainable ideas in relation to 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strategies for future intercultural encounters and integration amongst people from different cultural and national backgrounds, answering questions, such as ‘What does future/s look like?’ and ‘How do we want to live?’.

The purpose of this trip is for students to develop a stronger appreciation of diversity and inclusivity, and to practice skills learnt and improved through the course for effective communication with people from different cultural backgrounds. It will also support the development of soft skills such as, teamwork and communication. Students will be able to make connections with fellow students on the trip and in Germany, and observe the fascinating cultures in the cities, countries and of locals and fellow students.

Students on the trip will be encouraged to explore and be inspired by the conversations, discoveries, and sessions and workshops they will be able to be a part of, and upon return will be able to reflect on these as part of their presentations for the Intercultural Competence Course.

Cultural activities

The capital of Germany, Berlin, is a hive of culture and activity, a patchwork of old and new. This historically rich city offers an incredible political past, architecture and access to world famous sights and museums. Students will be able to fully immerse themselves in its history while enjoying its modern-day quirks, hip streets and great cuisine.

Alongside the activities that will be offered as part of the trip, students are encouraged to take time to explore Berlin, and visit places such as the iconic Reichstag building, home of the German parliament, and the Brandenburg Gate , East Side Gallery and Checkpoint Charlie which give an insight into life in the city whilst it was divided. Students are also encouraged to visit the Holocaust Memorial and the range of museums at Museum Island.