International teaching

International teaching brings together local and global perspectives on different subjects, research topics as well as methods and approaches to teaching and learning. This includes both an international range of courses in Mannheim as well as collaborations with universities and cooperation partners all over the world, in physical and virtual exchange.

International teaching fosters intercultural awareness, creates spaces for insightful international experiences and opens up opportunities for intercultural exchange. Learning in international settings will hone and refine skills crucial in the 21^st century:

Language skills: Learning a new language or improving existing language skills helps to communicate with people from all over the world. It also broadens horizons, strengthens self-confidence, and enhances openness and tolerance towards others.

International friendships: Global exchange allows making friends all over the world as well as building a global network, which can lead to long-lasting professional and personal relationships.

Personal development: Self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-development will be encouraged. The participants aquire valuable insights and learn to interact more effectively and independently in an international context.

Digital literacy: Virtual international teaching supports the development of digital competencies. It teaches the correct use of tecnology and media in order to find one's way in today's globalised and digitalised world.

Exchanging ideas and knowledge: International teaching offers the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with people from all over the world, allowing participants to exchange valuable knowledge and leading openness toward new ideas and perspectives.

Intercultural competence: Participants acquire a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities in a globalised world. Teachers and students develop toolkits that will help them act on an international level and communicate successfully with people from other cultures.

Options for international teaching at the School of Humanities

The range of international teaching at the School of Humanities aim to provide intercultural and international seminar offers and are divided into two areas: International Cultural Studies (ICS) and Virtual Mobility (VM).

Photo credit: Anna Logue

International Cultural Studies

International Cultural Studies (ICS) describe a field that contains international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary perspectives on culturally significant phenomena. They form a central component of the internationalisation of the curricula and thus for the expansion of foreign language teaching, without having to change location. They focus on key concepts in cultural studies as well as their application in historical and contemporary contexts.

Virtual Mobility

Virtual Mobility (VM) and Virtual Exchange, both often referred to as “COIL” (Collaborative Online International Learning) offer the possibility of a digital exchange, creating sustainable connections between students from all over the world in an International Classroom. Through this initiative, the School of Humanities significantly expands its target group and enables students from diverse backgrounds to paticipate in international encounters, leading to advantages for students with limited mobility especially. In the International Classroom, students connect virtually – and thus at a low threshold – to reflect on current topics in seminars. At university level, the virtual format promotes international cooperations and helps develop and deepen international partnerships and expand the international and intercultural learning community.

Advising and contact

Dr. Ana-Sofia Uhl

Coordination International Cultural Studies (ICS)

University of Mannheim
School of Humanities – Dean's Office
Schloss – Room EO 291
68161 Mannheim

Phone: +49 621 181-2579
E-mail: icsuni-mannheim.de

Consultation hour(s):
Please email me to make an appointment.