Pre-doctoral Training China 2026-2027
A programme for incoming Chinese PhD students on interpersonal and intercultural competence: communication and presentation skills.
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Course Structure:
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Dutch Crash Course: 1 introductory session (2 hours) in the full group of approximately 30 students
Soft Skills Training: 2 half-day training sessions on presentation and communication skills in half groups of approximately 15 students
Soft Skills Intervision: 1 intervision session in a smaller group of 7-8 students (approximately 2 hours) |
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Group size:
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Group size: 2 groups. max.15 students per group
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Application Requirements:
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Applicants must be Chinese students who will start PhD trajectories in the University of Groningen after 1 Sep. 2026.
Applicants must be available to attend all the lectures during the course dates. |
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Information:
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The University of Groningen Pre-doctoral Training is specifically designed for incoming Chinese PhD students who will begin their PhD trajectories in Groningen. The transition to a new academic and cultural environment can be challenging. This programme aims to equip participants with the interpersonal and intercultural skills needed to navigate common challenges during their PhD journey, strengthen their research ideas, and prepare for academic discussions with peers, supervisors, and other researchers.
The programme consists of two parts: the Dutch Crash Course and the Soft Skills Training. The Dutch Crash Course is a two-hour session that introduces participants to the Dutch academic system, Dutch culture, and life in the Netherlands. It helps participants understand what to expect during their PhD journey and supports a smoother transition to living and working in the Netherlands. The Soft Skills Training consists of two half-day sessions on presentation and communication skills, followed by an intervision session. These sessions help participants develop confidence in presenting their research, communicating with different audiences, and giving and receiving feedback. |
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Organisers:
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Department of International Strategy and Relations, Groningen Graduate Schools
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Instructors:
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Dutch Crash Course: Ms. Xuefei Knoester-Cao, Policy Advisor ISR, Director Groningen Confucius Institute
Soft Skills Training: Ms. Sophie Laemers, Academic teacher/trainer professional development |
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Date and Time:
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Dutch Crash Course:
Soft Skills Session 1:
Soft Skills Session 2:
Soft Skills Intervision Session:
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Costs:
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Free
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Location:
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Lecture rooms (TBA) in the University of Groningen
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Certificate and Credits:
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Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive a certificate worth 1 ECTS credit. To obtain the certificate and ECTS credit, participants must attend and actively participate in the Dutch Crash Course and all Soft Skills Training sessions, including the intervision session.
Please check with your graduate school and supervisor whether the ECTS credit can be included in your PhD training programme. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. |
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Learning Goals:
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Learning Goals: The programme prepares incoming PhD students for the start of their PhD trajectories in Groningen by developing the interpersonal skills and intercultural competences needed to navigate common academic and research-related challenges.
The main focus is on strengthening presentation and communication skills. Participants learn how to present and pitch their research clearly and confidently, adapt their message to different audiences, and communicate effectively in academic settings. Through practice, feedback, and intervision, participants develop greater awareness of their communication style, strengths, and areas for improvement. They also learn how to give and receive constructive feedback and reflect on their experiences. Moreover, the programme supports students’ transition to the Netherlands through an introduction to Dutch culture, daily life, and the Dutch academic system, helping them integrate more smoothly into Dutch academic life. |
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Registration:
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To register, please send an email to UG-Predoc-China@rug.nl. Please indicate the following information in the email:
Registration Deadline: 20 September 2026 First come first serve. Full is full |