Virtual Sessions:
05 October- 25 November 2026
Credits:
5 ECTS
BIP Type:
Transversal
Fields of Study:
all fields of study
Level of Experience:
Bachelor / Master
Sending partners:
MTU, XAMK, URN (+ other INGENIUM Universities)
Available Places: 15-20 total
5 MTU students
5 XAMK students
5 URN students
Up to 5 students from other INGENIUM partner universities
BIP Coordinator
Mila Koretnikov: mila.koretnikov@h-ka.de
Alexander Kim+ Anna Tillhon: ingenium@h-ka.de
BIP Academic Communication
About the programme
Academic Communication is an interdisciplinary Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) that brings together students from different countries and fields of study to strengthen their academic, intercultural, and digital communication skills.
The programme combines interactive workshops, group projects, discussions, and presentations with periods of guided self‑study. Its core idea is to create a space where students can experiment with different forms of academic communication, exchange perspectives, and reflect on how communication works in international and multicultural contexts.
A central focus is on developing practical competencies: delivering interactive seminar presentations, participating constructively in discussions, tailoring communication to diverse audiences, and giving and receiving feedback across cultural boundaries. Students also explore intercultural communication frameworks and apply them directly in international teams.
By blending online sessions with an intensive on‑site week in Karlsruhe, the programme offers a dynamic learning environment that supports independent, collaborative, and inquiry‑based learning. Depending on the interests of the cohort, outcomes may include short texts, presentations, posters, digital contributions, or joint reflection pieces—laying the groundwork for future international collaboration.
How you will learn
Learning activities combine interactive workshops, group projects, discussions, and guided self‑study, creating a dynamic environment for experimenting with academic communication in an international context. You will work in diverse, cross‑cultural teams throughout both the virtual and on‑site phases.
Your learning journey unfolds in several modes:
- Collaborative exploration
You engage in groupwork with international peers, developing presentations, short texts, multimodal outputs, and applied communication projects. - Interactive practice
Through seminar presentations, peer feedback, and structured discussions, you practice tailoring communication to different audiences and contexts. - Intercultural analysis
You apply intercultural communication frameworks—such as Erin Meyer’s dimensions—to understand how communication styles vary across cultures and how to navigate them effectively. - Reflection and metacognition
Reflection is embedded throughout the programme: you participate in self‑assessment activities, peer evaluation, and guided reflection sessions to deepen your understanding of your own communication strategies.
By combining synchronous online sessions with an intensive on‑site week, the programme supports independent, collaborative, and inquiry‑based learning—building a sustainable international learning community that continues beyond the BIP itself.
Competences you will develop
- Academic communication across formats: presenting, discussing, and adapting messages to diverse audiences.
- Intercultural collaboration: working effectively in international teams using established communication frameworks.
- Digital and multimodal communication: using online and hybrid formats confidently.
- Feedback & reflection skills: giving, receiving, and integrating feedback across cultures.
- Inclusive and globally aware communication: navigating diverse perspectives with sensitivity and clarity.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the BIP, students will be able to:
- LO1. Deliver clear, engaging and interactive seminar presentations that communicate academic content effectively across disciplines.
- LO2. Participate constructively and critically in academic discussions, contributing well‑reasoned arguments and responding to diverse viewpoints.
- LO3. Analyze and apply intercultural communication frameworks (e.g., Erin Meyer’s dimensions) to navigate cultural differences in academic and collaborative settings.
- LO4. Tailor verbal and written communication to diverse audiences, adapting tone, structure and format to context, purpose and cultural background.
- LO5. Give and receive feedback effectively across cultural boundaries, using structured reflection to improve their own communication strategies.
BIP's Programme
Virtual component (online activities)
Period: 05 October – 25 November 2026
Schedule: Mondays–Wednesdays, 18:00–19:30 (CET)
Sessions:
Session 1: Programme introduction, intercultural icebreaking & expectations
Session 2: Foundations of academic communication in international contexts
Session 3: Discussion and argumentation strategies
Session 4: Written, oral and multimodal academic expression
Session 5: Intercultural communication frameworks (e.g., Erin Meyer’s dimensions)
Session 6: Tailoring communication to diverse audiences
Session 7: Giving and receiving feedback across cultures
Session 8: Preparation for on‑site group projects and presentations
Duration:
Online lectures, synchronous sessions, guided self‑study and group work = approx. 50 hours (part of the total 140 hours / 5 ECTS)
Physical component (on-site at HKA)
Period: 30 November – 4 December 2026
Location: Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA)
Programme / Contents:
- Interactive workshops and seminars on academic communication, presentation strategies, and intercultural collaboration
- Team-based applied projects in international groups, building on the work from the virtual phase
- Practice-focused sessions on written, oral and multimodal academic expression
- Guided discussions and peer-feedback activities to strengthen critical engagement and communication across cultures
- Cultural visits and cross‑institutional exchange, fostering international community building
- Preparation and delivery of student presentations, including structured peer and self‑evaluation
Duration:
5 days = 40 hours of on-site activities
Application requirements
To apply for this BIP you must:
- Be enrolled at one of the INGENIUM partner universities at the time of the programme.
- Apply through your home (sending) institution.
- Have a sufficient level of English (typically B2 or equivalent).
- Be available to participate in both the virtual and physical components of the BIP.
- Meet any specific academic or eligibility requirements indicated for this programme.
As this BIP includes a physical mobility period hosted at HKA (Karlsruhe, Germany), it is intended for students coming from other INGENIUM partner institutions. Therefore, students enrolled at HKA are not eligible to apply for this specific BIP.
How to apply
Applications for this BIP are managed by each INGENIUM partner university.
To apply, please select your home university from the list below and follow the application process indicated on their page. Each institution has its own application platform and procedure.
Related Events
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
