Exceptional in-person learning for experienced and aspiring professionals
Exceptional in-person learning for experienced and aspiring professionals
EUROPE: NETHERLANDS
6-10 JULY 2026
Come for one day—or stay all week
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH — AND MORE
The IDD is premised on the proposition that we can improve our larger impact by understanding where there are (and are not) intersections among four key areas of study and practice in the differences field —intercultural communication, global learning, anti-discrimination/diversity & inclusion, and global competence — then borrowing from and expanding on them.
All experienced practitioners and scholars (and those who aspire advance to the field) are invited to join us for our in-person Developing Across Differences Learning Lab & Community Weeks or DADs.
Our 2026 European event in the Netherlands (6-10 July) is equal parts:
- LEARNING: Professional development and training,
- LAB & EXPERIMENTATION: Creation hub for trial & error in a supportive environment, and
- COMMUNITY: Network building and support.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH — AND MORE
The IDD is premised on the proposition that we can improve our larger impact by understanding where there are (and are not) intersections among four key areas of study and practice in the differences field —intercultural communication, global learning, anti-discrimination/diversity & inclusion, and global competence — then borrowing from and expanding on them.
All experienced practitioners and scholars (and those who aspire advance to the field) are invited to join us for our in-person Developing Across Differences Learning Lab & Community Weeks or DADs.
Our 2026 European event in the Netherlands (6-10 July) is equal parts:
- LEARNING: Professional development and training,
- LAB & EXPERIMENTATION: Creation hub for trial & error in a supportive environment, and
- COMMUNITY: Network building and support.
Join our 1, 2, 3-day courses — or attend all week — for professional development focused on both real world application and solid research, plus networking, community and discussion about topics relevant to you.
COURSE OVERVIEW
For 2026, we are pleased to offer nine (9) outstanding in-person workshops for those whose work helps individuals, organisations and communities develop across differences. All courses take place from 6-10 July in Groningen, Netherlands. (Details are below.)
COURSE OVERVIEW
For 2026, we are pleased to offer nine (9) outstanding in-person workshops for those whose work helps individuals, organisations and communities develop across differences. All courses take place from 6-10 July in Groningen, Netherlands. (Details are below.)
CLICK ON EACH IMAGE TO LEARN MORE
HOW IT WORKS
The European edition of the DAD takes place in beautiful Groningen, Netherlands, known as the City of Talent and renowned for its blend of modern and historic along with outstanding Dutch art, business, and education.
The event is hosted in partnership with the University of Groningen / Rijksuniversiteit Groningen from 6-10 July 2026. Over 400 years old, the University of Groningen is a top 50 Global University. Our courses are offered by practitioner-researchers who provide both real-world applied know-how and academically rigorous insights.
The 1, 2 and 3-day courses and evening programming take place on the University’s city campus. There are plenty of charming hotels and cafés within walking distance. We’re happy to share a list of our favorites with you, plus a list of discounted prices for University guests. Read on for additional details including how to register.
We look forward to seeing you in Groningen.
Modern yet idyllic, beautiful Groningen, NL is easily accessible by public transportation
HOW IT WORKS
The European edition of the DAD takes place in beautiful Groningen, Netherlands, known as the City of Talent and renowned for its blend of modern and historic along with outstanding Dutch art, business, and education.
Modern yet idyllic, beautiful Groningen, NL is easily accessible by public transportation
The event is hosted in partnership with the University of Groningen / Rijksuniversiteit Groningen from 6-10 July 2026. Over 400 years old, the University of Groningen is a top 50 Global University. Our courses are offered by practitioner-researchers who provide both real-world applied know-how and academically rigorous insights.
OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
To inquire about becoming a Partner, contact info@iddifferences.org
The 1, 2 and 3-day courses and evening programming take place on the University’s city campus. There are plenty of charming hotels and cafés within walking distance. We’re happy to share a list of our favorites with you, plus a list of discounted prices for University guests.
We look forward to seeing you in Groningen.
COURSE LINEUP
AT-A-GLANCE
COURSES BY TYPE
Designed for you as an experienced (5+ years) practitioner/scholar already established in at least one of the four narratives. These Advanced Core courses will help you advance your practice/scholarship in this same Differences narrative and further specialize your existing expertise.
GLOBAL DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION BENCHMARKS METHOD: A Strategic yet Practical Approach to Maximize D&I Return on Investment – Nene Molefi – 2-day course: Tue-Wed, 7-8 July 2026 €1050 by 14 Feb \ €1125 regular LEARN MORE
APPLYING NEUROSCIENCE:
Using neuroscience to foster workplace inclusion, diversity, personal leadership – Dr. Mai Nguyen – 3-day course: Wed-Fri, 8-10 July 2026 €1550 by 14 Feb \ €1625 regular LEARN MORE
THE RELATIONAL ROOTS OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: Rediscovering their relevance – Dr. Milton Bennett – 2-day course: 10-11 July 2026 €1050 by 14 Feb \ €1125 regular LEARN MORE
Whether you are long-experienced or newly entering the field, these courses help you better to apply practices and theories from each of the different narratives in practical ways that help address the challenges you encounter in your work of helping others develop across differences.
CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: From Inner Struggle to Community Change – Dr. Maja Nenadović – 1-day course: Tue, 7 July 2026 €615 by 14 Feb \ €650 regular LEARN MORE
OVERCOMING DIVERSITY OPPOSITION: Strategies to address diversity apathy, skepticism and pushback – Annelie Wambeek and Dr. Nadine Binder – 2 day course: Wed-Thu, 9-10 July 2026 – €1050 by 14 Feb / €1125 regular LEARN MORE
Synthesis offerings are for you if you are already established (5+ years) as a practitioner or scholar in at least one of the narratives and now want to expand into additional Differences narratives. You will learn about two or more disciplines, how they can successfully intersect, and how to incorporate these intersections into your work moving forward.
EDUCATING GLOBAL-READY GRADUATES: Fostering Intercultural & Global Competence on campus – Dr. Darla Deardorff – 2-day course: Tue-Wed, 7-8 July 2026 €1050 by 14 Feb \ €1125 regular LEARN MORE
BRIDGING DIFFERENCES: Tools and methods that connect the Intercultural and DEI divide – Drs. Michaela Carrière – 3-day course: Wed-Fri, 8-10 July 2026 €1550 by 14 Feb \ €1625 regular LEARN MORE
Whether you are a colleague who is newer to the field or have decades of experience, if you want to strengthen your abilities as a multiplier in one of the four content areas, these All Career Levels offerings will help you develop further in your chosen specialisations.
BUILDING PSYCHOLOGICAL & SOCIAL SAFETY TODAY: Research-backed strategies to improve belonging and engagement in diverse teams – Dr. Nadine Binder – 1 day course: Tue, 7 July 2026 – €615 by 14 Feb / €650 regular LEARN MORE
THE DMIS AT FORTY: A practical review and update with the originatorom Inner Struggle to Community Change – Dr. Milton Bennett – 1-day course: Wed, 8 July 2026 €615 by 14 Feb \ €650 regular LEARN MORE
HOW TO ENROLL
To register for one or more professional development courses, follow these four steps:
From the courses below (also see the list of courses by type), click on the workshop you wish to attend. You’ll see complete details about the course.
When you’re ready to enroll, simply select the “Enroll now” button on each individual course page.
Since the IDD’s Developing Across Differences European Learning Lab & Community Week is offered for certificate credit with our partner the University of Groningen, you will see instructions and be prompted to complete your registration on the University’s website.
Taking more than one course? You’ll need to register for each course individually on the University website.
OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
To inquire about becoming a Partner, contact info@iddifferences.org
2026 COURSE DETAILS
2026 European DAD (6-10 July) | Groningen, Netherlands
CLICK ON EACH TAB + COURSE TITLE FOR FULL DETAILS & TO REGISTER
Designed for you as an experienced (5+ years) practitioner/scholar already established in at least one of the four narratives. These Advanced Core courses will help you advance your practice/scholarship in this same Differences narrative and further specialize your existing expertise.
GLOBAL DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION BENCHMARKS METHOD: A Strategic yet Practical Approach to Maximize D&I Return on Investment – Nene Molefi – 2-day course: Tue-Wed, 7-8 July 2026 €1050 by 14 Feb \ €1125 regular LEARN MORE
APPLYING NEUROSCIENCE: Using neuroscience to foster workplace inclusion, diversity, personal leadership – Dr. Mai Nguyen – 3-day course: Wed-Fri, 8-10 July 2026 €1550 by 14 Feb \ €1625 regular LEARN MORE
THE RELATIONAL ROOTS OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: Rediscovering their relevance – Dr. Milton Bennett – 2-day course: 10-11 July 2026 €1050 by 14 Feb \ €1125 regular LEARN MORE
Whether you are long-experienced or newly entering the field, these courses help you better to apply practices and theories from each of the different narratives in practical ways that help address the challenges you encounter in your work of helping others develop across differences.
CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: From Inner Struggle to Community Change – Dr. Maja Nenadović – 1-day course: Tue, 7 July 2026 €615 by 14 Feb \ €650 regular LEARN MORE
OVERCOMING DIVERSITY OPPOSITION: Strategies to address diversity apathy, skepticism and pushback – Annelie Wambeek and Dr. Nadine Binder – 2 day course: Wed-Thu, 9-10 July 2026 – €1050 by 14 Feb / €1125 regular LEARN MORE
Synthesis offerings are for you if you are already established (5+ years) as a practitioner or scholar in at least one of the narratives and now want to expand into additional Differences narratives. You will learn about two or more disciplines, how they can successfully intersect, and how to incorporate these intersections into your work moving forward.
EDUCATING GLOBAL-READY GRADUATES: Fostering Intercultural & Global Competence on campus – Dr. Darla Deardorff – 2-day course: Tue-Wed, 7-8 July 2026 €1050 by 14 Feb \ €1125 regular LEARN MORE
BRIDGING DIFFERENCES: Tools and methods that connect the Intercultural and DEI divide – Drs. Michaela Carrière – 3-day course: Wed-Fri, 8-10 July 2026 €1550 by 14 Feb \ €1625 regular LEARN MORE
Whether you are a colleague who is newer to the field or have decades of experience, if you want to strengthen your abilities as a multiplier in one of the four content areas, these All Career Levels offerings will help you develop further in your chosen specialisations.
BUILDING PSYCHOLOGICAL & SOCIAL SAFETY TODAY: Research-backed strategies to improve belonging and engagement in diverse teams – Dr. Nadine Binder – 1 day course: Tue, 7 July 2026 – €615 by 14 Feb / €650 regular LEARN MORE
THE DMIS AT FORTY: A practical review and update with the originatorom Inner Struggle to Community Change – Dr. Milton Bennett – 1-day course: Wed, 8 July 2026 €615 by 14 Feb \ €650 regular LEARN MORE
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY
“An excellent program. Well taught and provides a lot of useful information
and insights.”
—Jannet (Lavalette) van de Riet, Netherlands
HOW TO ENROLL
To register for one or more professional development courses, follow these four steps:
From the courses below (also see the list of courses by type), click on the workshop you wish to attend. You’ll see complete details about the course.
Since the IDD’s Developing Across Differences European Learning Lab & Community Week is offered for certificate credit with our partner the University of Groningen, you will see instructions and be prompted to complete your registration on the University’s website.
Taking more than one course? You’ll need to register for each course individually on the University website.
Once we receive your registration, we will contact you before your enrollment is official.
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY
“This professional development opportunity is a must!”
—Dr. Eric Torres, USA
COMMUNITY: (RE)NEW CONNECTIONS
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, and professional development specialists. Participants join us from all over the world.
Contact us to see if the DAD is right for you.
COMMUNITY: (RE)NEW CONNECTIONS
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, and professional development specialists. Participants join us from all over the world.
Contact us to see if the DAD is right for you.
Grow your network
FAQs
VENUE
We are pleased that the University of Groningen in The Netherlands will once again host DAD Courses will take place at either the Academy Building (Broerstraat 5) or Harmonie Building (Oude Kijk in Het Jatstraat 26) in the centre of charming Groningen, the City of Talent.
The city of Groningen is located in the north of The Netherlands and is serviced with frequent and reliable train schedules. Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam and Bremen Airport in Germany are the nearest international airports to Groningen, each of which is 200 kilometers away. Additional useful details about this can be found on the University of Groningen website
Yes – here is a list of hotels (not yet updated for 2026!) that are conveniently located near the event venue. As a participant, you’re eligible for exclusive discounts on these hotels.
Costs
Courses are priced based on duration so that the early tuition fees are as follows: 1-day courses are €615, 2-day courses are €1050 and 3-day classes are €1550.
The regular tuition fees are as follows: 1-day courses are €650, 2-day courses are €1125 and 3-day classes are €1625.
We invite you to learn more about the IDD’s fiscal philosophy.
Refunds for courses are not available except in the case of course cancellation by the DAD organisers. Please note that 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.
At this time, we do not offer a scholarship or financial aid scheme for this programme. We try to price fairly per our fiscal philosophy, yet never want pricing to be a barrier to participation. If you have considerations we should be aware of, please contact us at info@iddifferences.org.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
While most of our participants have at least 5 (and often 15+) years of experience, each course has a participant profile as determined together with the faculty member(s).
We understand that your circumstances are unique, and if you have questions as to whether you meet the course qualifications, we’re happy to discuss these with you. Email us at info@iddifferences.org with your questions or to schedule a brief advisory session.
Although all of our courses offer advanced-level content, we’re also pleased to offer several that have been designed to also include aspiring professionals or those who may be newer to the field.
We will have an opening networking session on the late afternoon / evening of Monday, 6 July and courses will run from Tuesday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm, with a closing session on Friday evening.
Optional programming may include*:
- stimulating evening offers with visiting guests,
- a canal cruise Faculty so that you can get to know our experts, and
- group lunches and outings to local points of interest.
*Details of the optional programme will be announced beginning in February 2026. Also see the course schedule.
Courses run from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm CEST — with breaks and networking opportunities, plus optional programming before and after class time — and one course day is equal to 6 learning contact hours.
Enrolment is capped at 10-20 places depending on the course.
You will be given a Certificate of Participation from the University and the Institute listing the number of learning contact hours for each course you complete.
If applicable, you may apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities at your home institution. While final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of the home institution, we will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of participation. (Note that 28 hours correspond to 1 ECTS.)
While the biggest take-aways are what you gain in the classroom and with your peers, depending on the faculty member, you may have additional materials provided in digital or paper form.
For this programme, participants should have enough command of the English language to take part in the discussions and to present their own thoughts and work in English.
REGISTRATION
Registration is managed by our partner, the University of Groningen. To register follow these steps:
On each course page, simply click on ENROLL NOW and you will be redirected to the University of Groningen’s registration system to apply for that course.
On the University course page, select the course dates (only one option is available) then simply and easily Register as a new user to complete your registration and pay. The IDD will be in contact once your enrollment has been approved.
IMPORTANT: You’ll need to register separately for each course in which you wish to enroll.
Once we receive your registration, we will contact you within 3 business days to confirm your eligibility and before your enrolment is official.
Please note that since 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 make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have received this confirmation.
If you are unable to use your organisation’s credit card (or use your own and apply for reimbursement from your employer), we may be able to invoice them directly. Contact info@iddifferences.org with your request.
Early registration for all courses closes on 15 February 2026. Regular registration for all courses closes on 3 May 2026. Final registration for select courses only closes on 1 July 2026.
At this time we regret we are not able to offer this option. However, if special payment arrangements are needed, contact us at info@iddifferences.org to discuss your needs.
Miscellaneous
The Institute for Developing Across Differences (IDD) offers programs, training and peer connection opportunities so that you can better help the individuals and organizations you work with to transform Differences into more effective ways of communicating, working, and prospering together. Learn more and join us.
Still not finding the information you need? Send us an inquiry below.
FAQs
About the programme
While most of our participants have at least 5 (and often 15+) years of experience, each course has a participant profile as determined together with the faculty member(s).
We understand that your circumstances are unique, and if you have questions as to whether you meet the course qualifications, we’re happy to discuss these with you. Email us at info@iddifferences.org with your questions or to schedule a brief advisory session.
Although all of our courses offer advanced-level content, we’re also pleased to offer several that have been designed to also include aspiring professionals or those who may be newer to the field.
We will have an opening networking session on the late afternoon / evening of Monday, 6 July and courses will run from Tuesday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm, with a closing session on Friday evening.
Optional programming may include*:
- stimulating evening offers with visiting guests,
- a canal cruise Faculty so that you can get to know our experts, and
- group lunches and outings to local points of interest.
*Details of the optional programme will be announced beginning in February 2026. Also see the course schedule.
Courses run from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm CEST — with breaks and networking opportunities, plus optional programming before and after class time — and one course day is equal to 6 learning contact hours.
Enrolment is capped at 10-20 places depending on the course.
You will be given a Certificate of Participation from the University and the Institute listing the number of learning contact hours for each course you complete.
If applicable, you may apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities at your home institution. While final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of the home institution, we will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of participation. (Note that 28 hours correspond to 1 ECTS.)
While the biggest take-aways are what you gain in the classroom and with your peers, depending on the faculty member, you may have additional materials provided in digital or paper form.
For this programme, participants should have enough command of the English language to take part in the discussions and to present their own thoughts and work in English.
Registration
Registration is managed by our partner, the University of Groningen. To register follow these steps:
On each course page, simply click on ENROLL NOW and you will be redirected to the University of Groningen’s registration system to apply for that course.
On the University course page, select the course dates (only one option is available) then simply and easily Register as a new user to complete your registration and pay. The IDD will be in contact once your enrollment has been approved.
IMPORTANT: You’ll need to register separately for each course in which you wish to enroll.
Once we receive your registration, we will contact you within 3 business days to confirm your eligibility and before your enrolment is official.
Please note that since 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 make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have received this confirmation.
If you are unable to use your organisation’s credit card (or use your own and apply for reimbursement from your employer), we may be able to invoice them directly. Contact info@iddifferences.org with your request.
Early registration for all courses closes on 15 February 2026. Regular registration for all courses closes on 3 May 2026. Final registration for select courses only closes on 1 July 2026.
At this time we regret we are not able to offer this option. However, if special payment arrangements are needed, contact us at info@iddifferences.org to discuss your needs.
Venue
We are pleased that the University of Groningen in The Netherlands will once again host DAD Courses will take place at either the Academy Building (Broerstraat 5) or Harmonie Building (Oude Kijk in Het Jatstraat 26) in the centre of charming Groningen, the City of Talent.
The city of Groningen is located in the north of The Netherlands and is serviced with frequent and reliable train schedules. Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam and Bremen Airport in Germany are the nearest international airports to Groningen, each of which is 200 kilometers away. Additional useful details about this can be found on the University of Groningen website
Yes – here is a list of hotels (not yet updated for 2026!) that are conveniently located near the event venue. As a participant, you’re eligible for exclusive discounts on these hotels.
Costs
Courses are priced based on duration so that the early tuition fees are as follows: 1-day courses are €615, 2-day courses are €1050 and 3-day classes are €1550.
The regular tuition fees are as follows: 1-day courses are €650, 2-day courses are €1125 and 3-day classes are €1625.
We invite you to learn more about the IDD’s fiscal philosophy.
Refunds for courses are not available except in the case of course cancellation by the DAD organisers. Please note that 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.
At this time, we do not offer a scholarship or financial aid scheme for this programme. We try to price fairly per our fiscal philosophy, yet never want pricing to be a barrier to participation. If you have considerations we should be aware of, please contact us at info@iddifferences.org.
Not finding the information you need? Send us an inquiry below.
SEND US AN INQUIRY
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY
“You should enroll.”
—Fatima Halday, South Africa/Dubai