Information about Global Circles

Over a period of 2 weeks, students from different countries meet online to gain insights into different cultures and different mentalities. They will be in a safe digital setting controlled by a moderator (facilitator). The discussion will be held in English, but does not require advanced language skills. Two live online dialogues (ideally on a Friday afternoon) will be complemented by an interactive exchange via the Global Circles platform.

In addition, there is a compulsory framework programme at the Career Centre in which students are introduced to Virtual Exchange and the topic of intercultural competence. Students should familiarise themselves with the potential analysis, which forms the basis for this, in advance. This can be done either in a seminar or as part of our  open introduction to the potential analysis.
In addition, the participants come together after their live sessions for a feedback session at the Career Centre to reflect together and exchange experiences.

Participation requires 2.5 hours per week for working on tasks and intercultural dialogues on the respective topic and a further 2.5 hours per week for the subsequent live dialogue between all participants.

Compensation

The courses can be taken via the ASQ pool. This allows students to collect 3 ECTS points. You also have the opportunity to take Virtual Exchange as part of your Professional Skills Certificate. In addition, you will receive a certificate of attendance from soliya, which certifies the acquisition of various competences during the course. By participating in Global Circles, students are just as well prepared for the application process or selection procedure for a scholarship as they are for a stay abroad.

More information on the topics and registration:

‘There are so many great people out there who are happy to interact with students from other countries and share their experiences and culture with others. I am very happy to have had this experience and will definitely participate in the programme again in the future.’

'My highlight was the realisation that you can come to a common conclusion even if you are from different cultures and each have different perspectives."

‘I enjoyed how openly and constructively we discussed each other’s opinions in our group. There was a vivid exchange that encouraged me to share my own opinion.’

Click here to read what other participants are saying.

• Climate Change and Inequalities
• The meaning of Political Participation today
• Freedom of Speech: Meanings and Limits
• Exploring Artificial Intelligence: What it is, who it affects, and what do we change?
• Online, interactive media: How does it affect our mental health?
• Reimagining global health
• Inflation and consumption - what economy do we want for tomorrow?
• Climate change and rising temperatures - do we prevent or do we adapt?
• Metaverse & virtual life - what are the implications on society, education, and the future of work?
• Taking new action to tackle global hunger
• Social change through citizen initiatives
• Social Media: A blessing or a curse?
• Social justice vs. Climate action
• What does the war in Ukraine mean for the world?
• Artificial Intelligence, Global Skills, and the Future of Work
• Freedom of speech – and its limits.
• Do We Trust Science?
• World without Borders
• Impact of Covid-19
• Vaccination: Safety, Access, and Ethics
• Freedom of Spreech and Its Limits