Courses for externals

Do you need a customized program, training, or course for your company? Our faculty has a wide range of expertise and topics. Themes vary from archaeology & history, media & communication, politics & society to art & culture, and of course, languages.

Options can range from an intensive course on training media professionals about the principles of media literacy, fact-checking techniques, and critical analysis of news sources in the digital age, to a session where we provide a short training on cultural sensitivity and diversity. Or perhaps your company needs an annual refresher course on leadership in the cultural sector. Our experts are happy to brainstorm with you!

The customized training programs (or Incompany programs) can be organized in our city, or we can come to your location.

Send an email to professionals@rug.nl for more information.

The Language Center offers courses in various languages, from Dutch for non-native speakers to advanced English and beginner Portuguese. The languages offered are: Arabic, Chinese, German, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch for native speakers, Dutch for non-native speakers, Ukrainian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish. In addition to standard courses, custom courses are also available. The Language Center also provides options for online courses, individual courses, and self-study. For more information, visit the Language Center's website.

Are you specifically looking for a French course? The Language Centre only offers tailor-made French courses, for a group course they are happy to refer you to their partner Institut français. The institute offers courses at all levels, from A1 (beginners) to conversation groups at C2 level. For more information, visit the Institut français website.

Our landscape courses offer you scientific landscape knowledge in an inspiring environment. The courses include lectures, workshops, field practicals and excursions. We aim for a biannual course Cultural Landscapes of the Northern Netherlands interspersed with a thematic and/or regional course. Read more on their website.

Middle East and North Africa: insights into a changing region

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region plays a central role in contemporary issues related to geopolitics, security, migration, economic development, and international cooperation. For organisations operating in this context, in-depth and up-to-date insight into regional dynamics is of great importance.

The Department of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Groningen offers education for professionals that connects academic expertise with societal and policy-related questions. Our programmes are based on leading academic research and translate complex regional developments into relevant insights for policy, diplomacy, and international cooperation.

We offer standard introductory and advanced programmes that provide a broad overview of the most important developments in the region, as well as tailor-made programmes that respond to the specific knowledge needs of organisations. These programmes are suitable for professionals preparing for work in the region, seeking to update or deepen their knowledge, or aiming to better understand the background of current developments.

From an in-depth half-day masterclass or a regional introductory course to a multi-day customised programme: we support organisations in strengthening their knowledge position regarding the MENA region.

Our programmes offer:

• Scientifically grounded analysis of current regional developments
• Expertise from internationally recognised specialists
• Deepened understanding of the interaction between history, politics, religion, and society
• Application of academic knowledge to policy and societal issues
• Interactive formats focused on reflection, dialogue, and knowledge exchange
• Programmes tailored to the specific context of your organisation
  

Tailor-made programmes
Organisations differ in their information needs and policy contexts. That is why we develop customised programmes in close consultation with clients.

Possible themes include:

• Geopolitical developments in the MENA region
• Religious and cultural dynamics and cultural heritage
• Migration, mobility, and diaspora issues
• Governance and reconstruction in fragile contexts
• Conflict, terrorism, security, and regional stability
• Diplomacy and international relations
• Working in and with complex regional contexts
  

Programmes can be designed as masterclasses, thematic sessions, training days, or multi-day courses.

For whom?
Our programmes are relevant for governments, international organisations, knowledge institutions, NGOs, and other organisations working in or collaborating with partners in the MENA region.

Participant feedback:

“Connecting history with current developments was very valuable!”

“I appreciated the variation in content throughout the day, which gave us a broad understanding of historical, geopolitical, and cultural themes.”

Who delivers the programmes?
The programmes are organised by staff from the Department of Middle Eastern Studies. Depending on the topic and the client’s needs, experts from other programmes and faculties of the university, as well as external guest lecturers, may also be involved.

Organisation and logistics
Our programmes can be organised flexibly, depending on the client’s wishes and context. Sessions can take place at your organisation’s location, on the campus of the University of Groningen, or at an external conference venue.

In addition, all programmes are offered in both Dutch and English, depending on the composition of participants and the international orientation of the organisation.

Contact
Would you like to explore how a programme could align with your organisation’s knowledge needs? Please contact us for a no-obligation conversation about the possibilities at: professionals@rug.nl