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4.2

Socio-Cultural Awareness and Engagement

4.2

When should this Design Principle be considered?

Prior to and during the whole mobility period, but especially during the first weeks

Who should be responsible/involved?

(By clicking on a group, role-specific content will be highlighted)
  • All
  • Students
  • Academic Staff / Teachers
  • Department / Programme Heads
  • Mobility Coordinator
  • International Office

What does this design principle aim to do?

Provide information on the culture, social norms, and academic styles of the host institutions, recognizing that these may vary and evolve.
Organize social and academic activities to foster interaction between local and incoming students, with the aim of supporting incoming students’ cultural and social experience.
Facilitate students’ participation in cultural events and provide opportunities for independent cultural exploration.

What possible actions are recommended?

Create and distribute an information sheet from the host institutions, outlining key aspects of local culture, social norms, and academic practices.
Provide links to reliable sources, such as the Foreign Office, university websites, local cultural guides etc.
Use effective communication formats to deliver information (e.g., website, social media, information sessions, workshops).
Encourage reflection on cultural diversity and raise awareness of potential stereotyping through targeted discussions and training sessions.
Organize social integration events such as Welcome Weeks and Cultural Nights to foster interaction between local and international students.
Establish buddy and mentorship programmes that connect mobility students with local student volunteers and schedule one online buddy meetup before arrival.
Support students in joining university clubs, sports teams, cultural societies and exploring explicit folk/indigenous music etc. Provide clear instructions on procedures for joining such societies
Provide guidance for participating in cultural events and independently exploring local culture
Offer volunteering opportunities that enable mobility students to engage with local communities.
Encourage structured reflection and experience-sharing among students through blogs, peer workshops, and digital platforms.
Collaborate with faculties and departments to systematically integrate intercultural learning into academic programmes.