Intercultural Communication

Why study Intercultural Communication?

In a globalizing world, communication between people of different cultural background is becoming the norm. Unfortunately, such communication is hardly ever without problems. Misunderstandings, prejudice and conflict are frequent. The study of Intercultural Communication creates an understanding of cultural differences: why do they exist, how they can be understood and classified, and how can we deal with them successfully?

You are free to take any course you like, for example to prepare for a study exchange abroad. You can also study XICP0200V24 Intercultural Communication Programme (ICP) (25 ECTS) as a minor subject. The ICP consists of two modules.

Jörn Severidt

Senior lecturer (part-time)
Tel +358 (0) 40 484 4445
Office hours

Research profile >

This module is at the heart of the ICP. The three extensive courses mentioned first are compulsory, the three shorter courses may be included, but are not compulsory. Please note that the self-study courses XICP0238V24 and XICP0239V24 may only be taken after successfully completing at least one of the three compulsory courses. The order, in which the three compulsory courses are completed is free.

Read more about module 1 >

XICP0214V24 Intercultural Communication: Dimensions of Culture
XICP0215V24 Intercultural Communication: Culture and Communication
XICP0216V24 Intercultural Communication: Culture and Conflict

XICP0217V24 Intercultural Communication: Culture & Working-Life
XICP0238V24 Understanding Your Own Culture: Culture Dimensions Models
XICP0239V24 Understanding Your Own Culture: Values Models

Courses in this module allow participants to shape the ICP to fit their personal interests and needs, or to connect it meaningfully to their main subject or to other minors. Any culture course organized by the Language Centre may be included. Please see the Language Centre’s current selection of available courses on Peppi. The Teach and Learn -programme (2-3 ECTS) may also be included in this module.

This module also serves as an umbrella, under which any courses with a strong international or intercultural focus, organized by the faculties or studied during an exchange, may be included in the ICP. These courses must be approved by the ICP coordinator. This module may not exceed 12 ECTS.

Please note that the following list serves to provide examples of courses organized by the Language Centre, which may be included. Not all courses will be organized each academic year. Courses organized by the faculties are not mentioned.

Read more about module 2 >

XICP0224V24 Understanding Finland
XICP0233V24 Understanding the German-speaking Countries
XICP0241V24 OUTGOING STUDENTS: Cultural Difference Diary
XICP0242V24 INCOMING DEGREE STUDENTS: Cultural Adaptation Diary
XFIN0230V24 Finnish Culture
XENG0204V24 English-language Cultures and Societies
XENG0205V24 English Around the World
XVEN0225V24 Venäjän kulttuuri ja maantuntemus
XITA0007V24 Understanding Italy
XKII0007V24 Understanding China
XRAN0008V24 Understanding France


Participants in the ICP are encouraged to compose their own list of courses, which they would like to include in the ICP, and to present their list to the coordinator for approval early on.