An Interactive, AI-Supported Didactic Model for Developing Cross-Cultural Competence: Teaching Intercultural Skills

University courses in intercultural communication often emphasize conceptual frameworks such as HOFSTEDE’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, the INGLEHART-WELZEL World Values Survey, MEYER’s Culture Map, and others. These models, which rely on central contrasts and taxonomies, can offer valuable insights. However, the strong theoretical focus can sometimes come at the expense of practical application, especially in didactic contexts where the primary learning goals are to prevent culture clashes and foster mutual understanding in multicultural settings.

In my contribution to the NIC Helsinki Conference 2025, I would like to present an intercultural didactic model that shifts the emphasis toward practical engagement. While drawing on established theories, this concept is designed to enhance learners’ awareness, perception, reflection, and intuition in navigating intercultural challenges.

Awareness is essential to recognize the existence of cultural clashes in the first place—after all, “we don’t see what we don’t expect to see.” Perception must be sharpened, as all information processing is shaped by interpretation. Reflection is required to uncover the frameworks we apply and to minimize bias. And Intuition becomes especially valuable in situations where rational analysis alone does not yield a suitable solution.

The aim of my presentation is to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can be used as an effective tool for creating informative and engaging multimedia teaching materials that support interactive, learning-by-doing approaches. These approaches integrate established research and theories with practice-oriented elements of academic intercultural communication courses.