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FacultyInternational relationsBIP - Bridges and Barriers in (Intercultural) Communication

BIP - Bridges and Barriers in (Intercultural) Communication

Back

The Bridges and Barriers in (Intercultural) Communication Blended intensive program focuses on key aspects of communication in various contexts, especially in intercultural settings. The program aims to help students understand communication functions, identify barriers, and find ways to overcome them.

Organizer and Partners

Host: Matej Bel University, Slovakia
Partner Universities:

  • Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Finland
  • Edutus University, Hungary
  • University of Limerick, Ireland
  • Vilnius University, Lithuania
  • University of Balearic Islands, Spain
  • Businesses and organizations partnered with Matej Bel University

Target Group

The project is intended for students from partner universities. Each university will send 4 students and 1 teacher, with additional substitutes recommended. Students should have at least a B2 level of English, be in their first three years of undergraduate studies, and have a proactive approach to communication.

Topics and Objectives

Main Topic: Communication – an essential life skill
Subtopics:

  • Verbal and non-verbal communication

  • Personal and intercultural communication

  • Communication barriers and ways to overcome them

  • Contexts: culture, society, arts, education, business, travel

Program Objectives:

  • Deepen the understanding of different forms of communication

  • Increase awareness of communication barriers

  • Find effective ways to overcome barriers

  • Develop critical thinking and networking skills

Teaching Methods

  • Observation

  • Photovoice

  • Interviews

  • Intercomprehension

  • Diary

  • Presentations

Timeline

Online Meetings (for teachers): January, February, (April/May), September 2025
Online Event (for students and teachers): October 2, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Introduction to the project and partners

  • Core concepts overview

  • Pre-assignment for the on-site program

On-site Week (Banská Bystrica, Slovakia): November 4 – 8, 2025

  • International teams (6 members per team)

  • A new communication aspect explored each day through interactive activities

  • Involvement of local businesses and organizations

  • Lectures and workshops by both the host and partner universities

  • A full-day excursion and shorter trips linked to daily topics

  • Leisure and entertainment activities

A detailed program will be provided by the host university in due course. We look forward to your participation!