Description
This course is designed as a complementary intercultural component alongside language learning courses. It aims to provide learners with opportunities to engage in cross-cultural exchanges beyond the classroom, addressing real-life intercultural questions and reflections that arise during the process of learning Chinese. This course is intended for students from both Chinese Language Evening Courses (CLEC) and the Chinese Minor programme, enriching the curriculum by integrating cultural experiences as an extension of language learning. The course is additionally also made available for other students who have a keen interest in Chinese culture.
Purpose
Upon completing the course, students will gain an understanding of key cultural phenomena and their underlying meanings. They will learn to analyse and interpret intercultural situations objectively, develop effective strategies for cross-cultural communication, and strengthen their ability to act as cultural mediators in multilingual and multicultural contexts.
The course also gives the opportunity to join a summer school to China, organised by the VUB.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an informed understanding of selected Chinese cultural practices and their social meanings.
- Apply intercultural analysis to interpret and respond to cultural differences and challenges.
- Develop strategies for effective communication across cultures.
- Enhance their competence as global citizens capable of living, studying, and working in diverse cultural contexts.
Target Learners & Prerequisites
The course is conducted in English and requires no prior knowledge of Chinese. It is open to students from all disciplines who are interested in exploring cultural diversity, intercultural communication, and East-West cultural interactions.
Organisation
Each session lasts 2 hours, combining cultural exploration, intercultural analysis, and open interaction:
- 45 minutes: Cultural background and case study analysis
- 45 minutes: Interactive discussion and intercultural brainstorming
- 30 minutes: Free exchange and networking session (optional for students who need to leave early)
This structure allows for both guided learning and informal intercultural communication, fostering an open environment for reflection and dialogue.
Time: Every two weeks, Friday 17:00–19:00
Venue: [To be announced]
Preliminary course overview (subject to changes):
| No. | Date | Day | Time | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 2025-11-07 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Chinese Calligraphy and the Beauty of Characters 书法与文化表达——从汉字之美看中国人的审美与心境 |
| 02 | 2025-11-21 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
“Have You Eaten Yet?”—Greetings in Different Cultures “你吃了吗？”不是邀请吃饭——寒暄文化比较 |
| 03 | 2025-12-05 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Dining Culture: Seating, Toasting, and the Meaning Behind Splitting the Bill 吃饭文化：座位、敬酒、AA制的背后 |
| 04 | 2025-12-19 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Chinese Dining Culture: Chopsticks and Table Etiquette AND/OR Chinese Festive Food Making Techniques 中国饮食文化体验: “筷子与餐桌礼仪”/节日美食制作体验 |
| 05 | 2026-02-20 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Chinese Traditional Festivals and Customs 中国传统节日与习俗 ——从团圆到味道的文化传承 |
| 06 | 2026-03-06 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Paper-Cutting and Symbolism 剪纸与象征意义——从图案看中国人的审美与吉祥观 |
| 07 | 2026-03-20 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Face Culture and Respect 面子文化：怎样说“不”才不失礼？——沟通中的尊重与含蓄表达 |
| 08 | 2026-04-03 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
High-Context vs. Low-Context Communication 高语境（含蓄）与低语境（直接）文化差异 |
| 09 | 2026-04-24 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Individualism vs. Collectivism 个人主义与集体主义——中西价值观的对比与沟通方式 |
| 10 | 2026-05-08 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Harmony vs. Debate 冲突处理中的文化观：讨论不同文化如何处理分歧与冲突。 |
| 11 | 2026-05-22 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Culture Shock and Adaptation 文化冲击与适应——在异文化中生活与调整 |
| 12 | 2026-06-05 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Intercultural Friendship and Understanding 跨文化友谊与理解——文化差异下的交流与共情 |
| 13 | 2026-06-19 | Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Being a Cultural Mediator 成为文化“中介者”——跨文化理解与沟通的桥梁角色 |
| Optional |
End of June, 2026 |
Friday | 17:00–19:00 |
Summer School to China: Pre-departure Training 中国暑期学校行前培训——了解文化、沟通与适应技巧 |
*The Summer School pre-departure session will be arranged separately based on travel dates.
Webform
If you're interested in joining the intercultural communication workshop series, you can register with the webform below.
The regular registration fee is 300 EUR. VUB students and staff, students of the Chinese learning school (CLEC courses) or the Chinese minor programme at VUB can all register at the reduced fee of 200 EUR.
This reduction to 200 EUR is valid for all students who join in the Spring semester only.
At the bottom of the form, choose the correct price and add '1' registration.