• Recognize the similarities and differences between cultures as well as the resulting challenges
• Know how to apply strategies and use the provided tools to master intercultural challenges (such as culture shock etc.)
• Communicate effectively in an intercultural context
• Have basic knowledge of their home and host countries’ socio-political systems to be prepared for potential problems and important similarities/differences (e.g. different health systems, etc.)

• Solve problems occurring in an intercultural context (e.g. dealing with a culture shock)
• Produce clear and insightful written and oral contributions to intercultural issues and discussions
• Critically reflect on cultures in an (inter)national context to operate and communicate successfully in a different cultural environment
• Understand the main socio-political aspects of the home country to be prepared for potential differences from their host country (e.g. different health systems, etc.)

• Reflect on the students’ own culture to better understand the similarities and differences between their own and the host country’s culture
• Become more aware of intercultural differences in general and learn how to deal with them in everyday life
• Read and discuss theories of culture and intercultural communication and apply these theories in a more practical context (role plays, etc.)
• Gain profound insight into their lives as exchange students by interacting with incoming and experienced outgoing students in various class meetings
• Learn about the most important institutions and peculiarities of the Austrian socio-political system to become aware of the specifics of the home country and possible differences from their host country

Upon competition of this course, students demonstrate an understanding of

• Cultural similarities and differences as well as some specifics of their host country (after communicating with incoming and experienced outgoing students)
• Potential problems and challenges in intercultural contexts
• Different communication styles in other cultures as well as theories related to culture and intercultural communication
• The main characteristics of Austria’s socio-political system in the context with living and studying abroad