The project Bridge is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Servicio Espanol para la Internacionalizacion de la Educacion (SEPIE). Neither the European Union nor the National Agency SEPIE can be held responsible for them. -- Number: 2025-1-ES01-KA220-HED-000359236 --

LEVEL 1. SOLVINC - Solving intercultural conflicts with international students

BRIDGE Main Challenge: A.2. Gap between regulatory frameworks, institutional discourses and actual inclusion practices


What problem does it address?

The good practice addresses intercultural conflicts that arise in increasingly international higher education environments. Students and university staff may lack the knowledge, skills and tools to prevent or manage misunderstandings caused by cultural differences, affecting inclusion, communication and students' sense of belonging.

What does it propose?

The good practice proposes practical tools and training to help students and higher education staff prevent and manage intercultural conflicts. It provides real-life case studies, conflict resolution strategies and educational resources that strengthen intercultural competences, communication and inclusive interaction in international higher education settings.

Why is it an inspiring practice?
  • • Uses real-life intercultural conflict cases.
  • • Develops intercultural conflict management skills.
  • • Provides practical training for higher education staff.
  • • Supports international and local students.
  • • Promotes intercultural dialogue in higher education.
  • • Offers practical conflict resolution strategies.
  • • Develops educational resources for intercultural learning.
  • • Encourages cooperation in culturally diverse environments.
Resources you'll find
  • • SOLVINC Handbook.
  • • Case Studies Collection.
  • • Training Course.
  • • Online Learning Platform.
  • • Educational Videos.
  • • Project Publications.
Featured results
1
Online learning platform created.
1
“Culture Shocks in Higher Education” reader.
1
“Sensitive Zones” reader.
1
Exercise Toolkit for Diversity and Internationalisation in Higher Education.
1
Toolkit on Intercultural Student Encounters.
35
Intercultural conflict case studies collected and analysed.
What can visitors learn?
• Learn strategies for managing intercultural conflicts.
• Explore real-life intercultural conflict cases.
• Develop intercultural communication skills.
• Apply conflict resolution methods in higher education.
• Support international students through inclusive practices.
• Foster intercultural dialogue in diverse learning environments.
• Use educational resources for intercultural learning.
• Recognise cultural differences in conflict situations.

LEVEL 2. EXPLORE BEST PRACTICE

Introduction

SOLVINC addresses intercultural conflicts in increasingly diverse higher education environments by supporting students and university staff in developing intercultural conflict management competences. The project provides practical training, real-life case studies and educational resources that strengthen communication, intercultural dialogue and inclusive interaction between international and local students.

  • Coordinating organisation: Społeczna Akademia Nauk (Poland)
  • Participating countries: Austria (AT), France (FR), Germany (DE), Poland (PL), Portugal (PT)
  • Duration: November 2018-november 2020
  • BRIDGE Main Challenge: A.2. Gap between regulatory frameworks, institutional discourses and actual inclusion practices
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Secondary Challenges
  • A.1. Structural and intersectional inequalities that shape inclusion and social cohesion
  • A.4. Fragmented management of cultural diversity and weak institutionalisation of intercultural dialogue
  • A.5. Discrimination, racism and sociocultural polarisation, including hate speech

The Challenge

What social issue does it address?

The good practice addresses intercultural conflicts arising from increasing internationalisation in higher education. Cultural differences, communication barriers and limited intercultural competences can lead to misunderstandings, exclusion and tensions between international and local students, affecting inclusion and effective interaction within university communities.

Why is it important?

Intercultural conflicts can hinder inclusion, communication and students' well-being in international higher education. By equipping students and staff with practical conflict management skills and resources, the good practice helps create more inclusive, respectful and supportive learning environments.

How does it contribute to the BRIDGE Challenge?

The good practice contributes to the BRIDGE Challenge by equipping higher education institutions with practical tools, training and case studies to manage intercultural conflicts. It strengthens intercultural dialogue and supports more effective responses to cultural diversity in international learning environments.

How does it work?

The good practice works by providing higher education students and staff with training, real-life case studies and practical resources to develop intercultural conflict management skills. Through an online learning platform, handbook and educational materials, it supports the prevention and constructive resolution of intercultural conflicts in international academic environments.

What might inspire you?
Ideas for adaptation
  1. Real cases: Use authentic intercultural conflict cases for classroom discussion.
  2. Dialogue: Promote intercultural dialogue through structured learning activities.
  3. Communication: Develop intercultural communication skills in diverse classrooms.
  4. Conflict resolution: Teach practical strategies for resolving intercultural conflicts.
  5. Case-based learning: Apply case studies to connect theory with educational practice.
  6. Inclusive teaching: Foster inclusive learning environments for diverse student groups.
  7. Teacher training: Prepare teachers to manage intercultural challenges effectively.
  8. Collaborative learning: Encourage cooperation between local and international students.
  9. Reflective practice: Use reflection to improve intercultural awareness and responses.
  10. Digital learning: Integrate online resources into intercultural education activities.
Resources created

SOLVINC Handbook

Manual

Practical handbook on intercultural conflict management in higher education.

Teaching staff, Students, Professionals

https://solvinc.eu/results/

Case Studies Collection

Educational resource

Real-life intercultural conflict cases for learning and discussion.

Teaching staff, Students, Professionals

https://solvinc.eu/results/

Online Learning Platform

Interactive digital resource

Digital platform providing access to project learning resources.

Teaching staff, Students, Professionals

https://solvinc.eu/e-learning/

Training Course

Online training

Online course on intercultural conflict prevention and management.

Teaching staff, Students, Professionals

https://solvinc.eu/e-learning/

Educational Videos

Educational videos

Videos explaining key concepts and project approaches.

Teaching staff, Students, Professionals, General Public

https://solvinc.eu/videos/

Recommendations for Higher Education Institutions

Digital publication

Recommendations to strengthen intercultural conflict management in higher education.

Teaching staff, Professionals, Policy Makers

https://solvinc.eu/results/