Wrapping up the second 2025 edition of Clingendael’s Intercultural Communication course

From 12–14 November, Clingendael welcomed 11 participants to the autumn edition of the Intercultural Communication course. Over three days, the group explored how culture shapes communication at multiple levels, not only across countries, but also between generations, professional backgrounds and organisational environments.

Participants immersed themselves in the topic through Clingendael’s PACIS model, which supported them in recognising common pitfalls, strengthening cultural awareness, understanding cultural clusters, improving interaction and sharpening sensitivity. Lively discussions illustrated how even small assumptions can influence professional cooperation, and how awareness of one’s own, and others’, cultural frameworks can help prevent misinterpretation.

Through a mix of interactive exercises, reflective moments and practical examples, the group uncovered where cross-cultural challenges arise in daily work and how to navigate them more effectively. By the end of the course, participants had gained a deeper and more nuanced understanding of culture in all its layers.