Intercultural Training for Doctoral Students: Build Global Skills and Networks Through GUSI

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Doctoral students who want to thrive in international research environments will have a new opportunity in early 2026. The Global Universities for Societal Impact (GUSI) network will offer a five session online Intercultural Training for Doctoral Students designed to strengthen intercultural communication skills, deepen cultural awareness, and expand global research networks.

GUSI brings together Emory University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI), the University of Bonn, the University of St Andrews, and Waseda University. This collaborative program invites PhD students and doctoral candidates from any discipline to learn alongside peers across these five leading institutions. Participants will connect in small, cohorts, share perspectives on culture and research, and gain competencies that are increasingly essential for academic careers in a global context.

The training will take place on Tuesdays between January and March 2026, with sessions held online at 9 or 10 a.m. Each of the five interactive meetings will last between 60 and 120 minutes and will be facilitated by intercultural training experts from Emory University and the University of Bonn.

Program Structure and Topics

The series begins on January 27 with a 60-minute opening session focused on introductions and an overview of the program. Subsequent sessions build step by step:

  • February 10: Cultural self-awareness
  • February 24: Understanding others and cultural values
  • March 17: Intercultural awareness and suspending judgement, with an emphasis on competency building
  • March 24: Wrap up and reflection

Throughout the program, doctoral students will explore what defines culture and intercultural communication, reflect on personal values and communication styles, and consider how intersectionality shapes perception and interaction. They will learn to distinguish between stereotypes and generalizations, identify common sources of misunderstanding, and practice empathy, flexibility, and open mindedness in cross cultural settings.

Who Should Apply

The program is open to doctoral students from all subject areas at the five GUSI universities. It is especially well suited to second- and third-year PhD students, though applicants at other stages of their doctoral training are welcome. A small cohort will be selected from each institution to ensure a balanced and diverse group.

How to Apply

Applications are open now and will close on November 28, 2025. Applicants will be notified of decisions by mid-December. If applications exceed capacity, selection will prioritize representation across universities and disciplines.

To learn more or ask questions, doctoral students can contact Natalie Cruz at Natalie.cruz@emory.edu. Additional details are available on the program website.