Micro-credential Intercultural Agility for Business
Would you like to better understand cultural differences while staying true to your own professional identity? This micro-credential is for anyone who works in an increasingly diverse, multicultural environment and wants to collaborate more effectively across cultures. The course is especially relevant if you are employed in multinational companies, international organisations, healthcare, education or any context where teams bring together different cultural backgrounds and communication styles.
The course is closely aligned with Odisee’s Business Management programme. As the entire course is taught in English, it is particularly suitable if you operate in an international setting or want to further develop your professional English in real-life intercultural situations.
What will you learn on the 'Intercultural Agility for Business' course?
What exactly are micro-credentials?
Micro-credentials are short, tailored learning programmes designed for part-time students. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate acknowledging that you have completed a short learning programme worth a specific number of credits, centred on a clearly defined and coherent set of learning objectives. These micro-credentials may serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree programme at Odisee.
What can you expect from the 'Intercultural Agility for Business' course?
The course helps to develop intercultural agility, that is the ability to read cultural differences, understand their impact and adapt your behaviour in constructive ways. It starts with the concept of the cultural iceberg, exploring what is visible and what remains invisible in communication and interactions. You will be examining how identity is formed and evolves over time, work with the identity circle and reflect on stereotypes, their impact and micro-aggressions. You also critically analyse well-known cultural models and their limitations to learn how to use them thoughtfully.
A significant part of the course focuses on working in multicultural teams. Get ready to explore communication styles, low- and highcontext cultures, business etiquette and politeness. Practice how to build trust across cultures, give and receive feedback, handle disagreement, understand hierarchy and leadership, and make decisions in culturally diverse settings. Equal opportunities and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) are also integrated throughout the programme.
Every session includes at least one specific case study to discuss with your peers and then connect to theoretical cultural
frameworks. In this way, you will learn to actively apply these concepts to situations you may encounter in your own work
situation.
What is next?
After the course, you will be able to use practical tools to better interpret cultural differences, avoid misunderstandings and adjust your communication style to different cultural expectations. As you become more confident in navigating complex intercultural interactions, you will be better equipped to lead, collaborate and get the best out of multicultural teams while maintaining your own, professional identity. By communicating more clearly and handling conflict more constructively, you will be building trust more effectively across cultural boundaries.
Practical information
The course takes place at the Brussels campus of Odisee University College. The programme comprises 12 lessons and lasts one semester.
Please contact us
Are you interested but still have a question? Please contact the programme coordinator.