SYNTHESIS COURSE
Bridging Differences
Practical tools for understanding and responding to differences
Drs. Michaela Carrière
OVERVIEW
Diversity influences how people communicate, work, learn and relate, but the hidden dimensions of difference often go unspoken. These subtle factors share expectations, norms, and interpretations, and when left unexamined, they can easily lead to misunderstanding, tension or exclusion. As a result, the ability to recognise, interpret and bridge differences appropriately and effectively, whether in the workplace, classroom or community, is essential. Equally important is the capacity to help others develop these skills, whether as learners, teams, or colleagues.
This hands-on workshop will help you deepen your theoretical understanding and expand your practical skills and toolkit to support yourself and others in navigating differences successfully.
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 framework and activities, analyse real-world scenarios, and practice applying skills that enable us to see, and bridge the hidden dimensions of difference 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 ever more competent ways of engaging with differences.
The second part of the course focuses on hands-on practice to support others in their skill- and competence-building 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.
In this course, you will learn how to help yourself and those you work with so that you/they can better:
- Recognise the hidden dimensions of differences that influence behaviour and interaction.
- Identify developmental differences in how individuals and groups perceive and respond to diversity and respond constructively to misunderstandings using developmentally appropriate approaches.
- Apply practical skills and facilitation strategies that address varying levels of competence in engaging with difference.
- Design and guide learning experiences that foster deeper awareness and more effective collaboration across differences.
This course will blend cognitive discussions about key concepts, frameworks, and practical methodologies with highly interactive and experiential learning as well as real-world application and group discussions and continuous feedback and peer learning. You will have an opportunity to work with cases from your contexts to translate concepts into practices to support competence development.
This course is for you if you are an educator /facilitator /trainer/ multiplier /HR professional who:
- seeks to deepen your theoretical understanding in navigating differences,
- wants to “level up” your toolkit and practical skills for bridging differences,
- is responsible for teaching, training, coaching, leading, or otherwise supporting others in diverse contexts.
COURSE TYPE
Synthesis / Intersections
DURATION/DATES
3 days/8-10 July 2026
AUDIENCE LEVELS
Senior (20+ years)
Advanced (13-19 years)
Mid (6-12 years)
TUITION FEE
€1550 before 15 Feb
€1620 after 15 Feb
includes certificate from the University and the Institute
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 worked extensively in numerous countries, with significant time 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.
“Michaela is extremely knowledgeable. She is incredibly generous and inclusive in how she shares the tools, gives feedback and facilitates.”
“It’s been such a rich learning experience. It has far exceeded my expectations: as we were not only able to explore the different methods/exercises but also dive into the background and the philosophy behind them.”
“Truly valuable and useful for applied sciences. Research meets education.”
