Why study Intercultural Communication?

In a globalizing world, communication between people of different cultural background is becoming the norm. Unfortunately, such communication is hardly ever without problems. Misunderstandings, prejudice and conflict are frequent. The study of Intercultural Communication will give you an understanding of cultural differences: why do they exist, how they can be understood and classified, and how can you deal with them successfully?

How to study?

You are free to take any contact course, or courses, you like, in any order you choose. The course titles reflect the focus of each course. Details are in the course descriptions on Peppi.

All courses are in English, with international students participating in each one of them. You need to be able to express your thoughts, but grammatical correctness or a large vocabulary are of no importance. Generally, English skills on level B1 will suffice.

Any course will prepare you for work in a multicultural environment. Any course will help you to prepare for, and make the most of, a study exchange or an internship abroad.

It is possible to complete XICP0200V24 Intercultural Communication (25 ECTS) as a minor subject. The minor subject must include at least 13 ECTS credits of courses in Intercultural Communication. Additionally, courses in individual cultures, and other courses with an intercultural / international focus can be included.

This allows you to give your studies an individual direction matching your personal interests. Should you choose this option, please contact the teacher early on to create a personal study plan.

In Finnish

HUOM: Webinaarit, työpajat ja ohjaus saattavilla myös suomeksi. Ota yhteyttä opettajaan!

Not a student of University of Lapland?

You can still register for courses.
Students of the Lapland University of Applied Sciences can register on Peppi through cross-institutional studies (ristiinopiskelu), and the courses are free of charge.
Anyone else is welcome to these courses as well. However, you will have to apply through the Open University and pay a small course fee.

Jörn Severidt

Lecturer

Language Centre

+358 40 484 4445 jorn.severidt@ulapland.fi Research profile

The teacher has lived and worked in intercultural communication (ICC) since 1996, when he moved to Finland. From 2012 onwards, he has been in charge of all teaching in ICC at the University of Lapland, while also giving webinars, workshops and coaching focusing on the challenges of dealing with cultural differences, and working in a multicultural environment.

You are welcome to contact me regarding

• our courses in ICC
• your personal plan for a minor subject in ICC, if you decide to complete one
• your experience of cultural differences, be it as an international student in Finland, or as a Finnish student abroad
• the process of culture shock and cultural adjustment in general
• reading recommendations concerning individual cultures and/or cultural differences
• the organization of webinars, workshops and professional coaching.