HAWK is a diversity-friendly university that fosters a sense of community, mutual respect and a caring approach. Empathy and mutual understanding are key competences for everyday life, work and study, especially in the context of current social challenges.
When people from varying cultural backgrounds come together, different ways of behaving and communication styles can lead to difficulties or confusion. The International Office supports HAWK students and staff through intercultural competence (IKK) programmes aimed at promoting good intercultural relations. These programmes primarily teach skills that enable participants to take a reflective, effective and appropriate approach to intercultural interactions. They are not concerned with reproducing (national) culture-specific stereotypes.
Course formats are continuously expanded.
We supplement our programme with workshops on specific topics, such as racism and how to challenge it, empowerment, and presenting an argument. If you would like to request workshops on specific topics or for specific target groups, please contact us.
The intercultural competence services offered by the International Office provide essential added value for all members of the university:
- Teams are influenced not only by nationalities, but also by differences in age, religion, gender, skills and working styles. Intercultural competence helps team members gain a general appreciation of diversity, which has a positive impact on the working environment and improves cooperation.
- Intercultural training promotes self-awareness and the ability to reflect on your own behaviour. Being aware of your own cultural background helps you take a more nuanced view of behaviour and values within your team and pick up on misunderstandings at an early stage.
- Many of the principles taught in intercultural communication (e.g. active listening, empathy, conscious language) help to promote effective communication in all circumstances – regardless of “culture”. This also makes it easier for participants to communicate with colleagues from other departments, or from different generations and social backgrounds.
- A variety of perspectives broadens horizons and promotes creative problem solving. Participants who have learnt to internalise a range of viewpoints can make innovative contributions even in seemingly homogeneous teams.
