Students of Universitas Pembangunan Jaya Gain Deep Understanding of Intercultural Competence in Germany

Bintaro, South Tangerang 01/10/2024 – Students from Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) who participated in the Summer School Program in Germany gained new insights into the importance of understanding and managing cultural differences in a global context through a workshop titled "Intercultural Competency." The workshop, held at the University of Cologne, Germany, was enthusiastically attended by all Summer School Program participants. 

The workshop emphasized that culture encompasses not only individual behavior but also power relations within society. Governments often use propaganda to influence public values and behaviors. Language, as a primary tool, plays a crucial role in creating shared meanings among individuals from different cultural backgrounds. The discussion also affirmed that culture is not always directly tied to nationality or ethnicity but transcends these boundaries, emerging in various forms such as digital communities, organizations, or social movements. 

During the workshop, participants were introduced to the concept that culture is consciously constructed through symbols, knowledge, and various social practices. The importance of an open attitude and a willingness to share cross-cultural experiences was also emphasized as key to understanding the dynamics of diverse cultures. 

One significant activity in this workshop was a collaboration with the *German Society for the United Nations*, a nonprofit organization in Germany that supports the mission and goals of the United Nations (UN). This organization actively raises public awareness and participation in global issues such as human rights and environmental sustainability. 

In an effort to enhance intercultural competence, workshop participants engaged in a *mini course* that involved diplomacy simulations. Each participant was assigned to represent a UN member state and debated crucial issues such as climate change, which threatens world peace. This activity was designed to train students in critical thinking, speaking as diplomats, and finding solutions with a broad impact. 

Ghinaa Adizka Putri, one of the participants from UPJ, revealed that this experience provided new insights into the importance of intercultural competence in the era of globalization. "Setting foot in another country is not just about changing locations, but entering a new world with a different culture. We learned how culture is formed and how to adapt to existing differences," she said. 

This activity has become an important part of UPJ students' journey in understanding and applying intercultural competence, which is expected to contribute positively to future international cooperation.