Exploring the realm of soft skills and intercultural competences

Soft skills are increasingly vital in both professional and personal settings today. Abilities like emotional intelligence, empathy, teamwork, and managing conflict are crucial both in and out of the classroom. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, our participants gained valuable knowledge on enhancing their communication skills.

The new edition of the course “Soft Skills and intercultural competences for teachers and education staff​” took place in Palermo from 03/09/2024 to 06/09/2024. The participants came from Germany, with: Hannah Di Giovanni, Magdalena Butter, Job Hämmerle, Birgit Leitz, Andrea Schnörle-Schieg, Regina Burth, Christine Kugler and Claudia Cramer from Helene-Weber-Schule Bad Saulgau.

​The course started with a focus on Emotional Intelligence. This term indicates the ability to recognise not only our own feelings but also other people’s emotions, in order to be aware of ourselves and our surroundings. Another skill that was tackled during this session was empathy. Through a series of exercises the participants were able to learn more about practising empathy, self-control, self-motivation and building a connection.

​Another topic discussed in the class was Conflict. Working with others can sometimes be challenging, and handling conflicts effectively isn’t always easy. Through sharing their personal experiences, participants came to understand that conflicts are common and that they don’t have to lead to negative outcomes; instead, they can offer valuable opportunities for growth and development.

A further subject discussed in the class was the development of intercultural competences. This involved gaining insights into Italian culture and systems, which is crucial for navigating interactions in a diverse, globalized world. Participants explored various aspects of Italian traditions, social norms, and everyday practices, which helped them understand how cultural context influences communication and behavior. This knowledge is essential for fostering respectful and effective cross-cultural interactions.

This course provided participants with the opportunity to interact with one another and gain insights from their collective experiences. Each individual brought a unique background, which significantly enriched the group's overall development. Additionally, the organized cultural activities facilitated networking, demonstrating that learning extends beyond the confines of the classroom.

​Discover more about this course here.