Developing Across Differences: Bridging Differences
Diversity shapes how people communicate, work, learn, and relate, yet many influential differences remain unspoken. This workshop builds the insight and practical tools to recognize, interpret, and bridge those hidden dimensions—so you can navigate across differences effectively and help others do the same.
Why attend?
This workshop equips professionals with both theoretical insight and practical, ready-to-use techniques to navigate the complex dynamics of diversity in all aspects of our lives. Drawing on developmental approaches, the programme provides a structured pathway for understanding how people make sense of difference, and how trainers, educators, HR professionals, and other practitioners can support intercultural competence development at every stage.
Together we will explore key frameworks and activities, analyse real-world scenarios, and practice applying skills for bridging differences with greater clarity, empathy, and effectiveness.
The first part of the course allows you to deepen your conceptual understanding of the hidden dimensions of difference and the developmental models that explain how and why people respond differently to diversity. This is combined with a focus on applying the frameworks in practice—taking you through a developmental journey towards more competent ways of engaging with difference.
The second part of the course focuses on hands-on practice to support others in building skills and competence for responding to differences effectively. You will gain practical train-the-trainer tools and insights for designing brief interventions and activities, guiding reflection and discussion in diverse groups, and supporting learners at varying levels of competence.
Practical information
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Dates & location
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10 - 11 July 2025 Academy Building (Broerstraat 5) or Harmonie Building (Oude Kijk in Het Jatstraat 26) |
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Level
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PhD/Postdoc/Practitioners May be appropriate for some MA students; contact the organisers for consultation about eligibility |
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Fee |
€ 1550 (until early-bird deadline, 14 February 2026) € 1625 (after early-bird deadline, 14 February 2026) includes course and materials, optional evening programming |
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Academic coordinators
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Drs. Michaela Carrière |
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Contact
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ic rug.nl or info iddifferences.org
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Requirements
Level requirements
The DAD is for multipliers who help individuals, organizations and societies better recognize, appreciate and use differences as a way of better communicating, working and thriving together.
These are (in-house and external) trainers, educators, consultants, coaches, researchers, scholars, facilitators, HR staff, advanced-level (MA+) students, and professional development specialists with 5+ years of experience/study in the greater Differences field. Contact the organisers at ic rug.nl or info iddifferences.org for consultation about appropriateness and eligibility.
It is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.
Participant profile
This course is for you if you are a trainer/multiplier/educator who is:
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educator/facilitator/trainer/multiplier/HR professional who is
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eager to deepen your theoretical understanding in navigating differences;
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ready to “level up” your toolkit and practical skills for bridging differences;
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responsible for teaching, training, coaching, leading, or otherwise supporting others in diverse contexts.
Contact the organisers at ic rug.nl or info iddifferences.org if you have questions about the suitability of this course for your circumstances.
Learning outcomes
In this course, you will learn how to help yourself—and those you work with—so that you/they can better:
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Recognize hidden dimensions of differences that influence behaviour and interaction.
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Identify developmental differences in how individuals and groups perceive and react to diversity and respond constructively to misunderstandings using developmentally appropriate approaches.
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Apply practical skills and facilitation strategies that address varying levels of competence in engaging with difference.
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Design and guide learning experiences that foster deeper awareness and more effective collaboration across differences.
Workload
18 hours of in-class learning and active participation using experiential methods.
Upon successful completion of the programme, the Summer School offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the workload of 18 hours (28 hours corresponds to 1 ECTS). Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.
Course schedule
Course schedule
Monday, 6 July
15.00-18.00 Optional networking event
Wednesday, 8 July - Friday, 10 July
09.00-17.30
Course approach
This course blends cognitive, experiential, and applied learning: you’ll work with clear frameworks and practical methods, engage in exercises and facilitated dialogue, and apply concepts to real cases from your own context. Continuous feedback, peer exchange, and guided reflection support your competence development.
Introduction to lecturer
Drs. Michaela Carrière
In addition to her role as Program Coordinator for the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Groningen/Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Michaela Carrière is the Lead Trainer and Head of the Intercultural Communication Section responsible for developing intercultural competence both within and outside the University. She has developed and delivered a wide training portfolio for both these domains for a wide range of participants.
A self-described global nomad (TCK), Michaela has lived and/or worked extensively in numerous countries, with significant time (years) spent in India, Indonesia, and the USA, Burma (Myanmar) and Bangladesh, as well as the Netherlands. Her research includes Intercultural Communication, Mapping Diversity and Ethics. She consults with government ministries, NGOs and other clients throughout the Netherlands, helping them to address issues of equity across difference and to ‘create a culture for culture’ by achieving an internal critical mass of intercultural competence.
Application procedure
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Deadline for application
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Early bird registration closes on 14 February 2026. |
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Date of selection
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Within 72 hours following registration, you will be contacted directly by the organisers about your application. |
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Application
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Participants submit payment and details about their interest at the link below (click the "Apply now!" button). They will be contacted directly by the organisers about their experience and the suitability of the course.
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Please note that as all courses are subject to meeting minimum enrolments, the DAD team will confirm on or before 19 May 2026 that your course is taking place. We strongly advise you not to book non-refundable travel until you have received this confirmation. In all cases, refunds for courses are not available except in the case of course cancellation by the DAD organisers. In the case that your preferred course is cancelled, you are welcomed to enroll in an alternative course or request a refund. You will be notified on or before 19 May 2026 if the DAD course is cancelled. This policy is different from that of other University of Groningen Summer School and Language Centre courses. Full details are available on the Developing Across Differences (DAD) Learning Lab & Community Week Terms and Conditions page.
