Intercultural competence as a driver of well-being in higher education
In February 2026, colleagues from the universities of Cologne, Florence, Konstanz, Murcia, and Nantes met with a shared vision: to establish a network for intercultural trainers within EUniWell. The network brings together academic and non-academic staff from a wide range of professional fields, including international offices, research funding, academic departments and teaching. What unites its members is the conviction that intercultural competence is not optional, but a core capability in higher education and essential to well-being at internationalised universities.
Since its establishment, the network has met regularly online to identify shared needs, exchange expertise and develop ideas for joint activities and initiatives. While the first steps have already been taken, the network remains open to new members.
Why intercultural competence matters for well-being
Internationalisation shapes all areas of university life. At the same time, increased mobility and diversity can create challenges. Settling into a new academic and social environment, navigating different communication styles, understanding implicit expectations, or working in culturally diverse teams can all be challenging.
Internationalisation also affects those who remain in their home institution. Intercultural encounters take place daily across university campuses extend far beyond nationality: they encompass social background, language, culture, professional roles, and personal identities. Misunderstandings and feelings of exclusion or insecurity can negatively affect academic performance, job satisfaction and both individual and collective well-being.
Trainings and workshops on intercultural competence address these challenges precisely. They create spaces for reflection, strengthen empathy and communication skills, and equip participants with practical tools for engaging constructively with diverse perspectives. In doing so, they support effective collaboration while fostering a stronger sense of belonging and psychological safety.
Responding to the need for greater support in intercultural contexts
Discussions within the network have highlighted several needs that institutions across EUniWell share:
- Support for international and local students in navigating new environments
- Training for lecturers on intercultural teaching
- Support for administrative staff working in international contexts
- Structured formats that combine intercultural learning with well-being and resilience
The network aims to respond to these challenges collectively by pooling expertise, exchanging materials and experiences, and developing modular learning formats. Looking ahead, it plans to create adaptable training programmes that institutions can embed in various settings and tailor to the needs of different target groups across EUniWell:
- Intercultural training for international and local students
- Workshops for academic staff on inclusive and intercultural teaching
- Workshops for administrative staff on intercultural strategies and resilience
Growing together
At its core, the network is about connection. It weaves together colleagues, disciplines, and professional roles across institutional and national borders. It links intercultural competence with well-being and connects individual experiences with the shared visions and values as a European Alliance. By fostering intercultural competence, the network strengthens the interpersonal and social skills that shape how we live, learn and work together.
The network remains open and continues to welcome new members and perspectives. Colleagues from all EUniWell universities are warmly invited to share their experiences and ideas, contribute to the further development of intercultural competence, and help to grow together as a community.
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