Café international

Café international raises awareness about 'intercultural challenges and resources' at the University of Basel in a variety of ways. This format has been in existence since autumn 2018. Itself a series of EVENTS, Café international also draws attention to the existing offers with an intercultural component at the University and the possibilities these other programmes provide (via this website, see listing of RESOURCES below).

The topic of 'intercultural challenges and resources' is addressed through a variety of ways, thereby easing the start of newcomers as well as facilitating the sharing of experiences with colleagues who have already been at the University of Basel for longer. Target groups are Master and PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, lecturers, visiting researchers, and employees from the University of Basel.

Part of the new "Zertifikat Interkulturelle Kompetenz"/Certificate of intercultural competence

NEW: Most of our Café international events are eligible for the Certificate of intercultural competence for administrative, technical and laboratory staff of the University of Basel (group IV).

This free of charge certificate is widely composed by existing programme components in German language. The certificate might be also offered in English in the future. More information about the certificate can be found here.

Conceived and organized by the units Language Center and International Office, this series of events highlights diverse themes twice a semester. In view of the complex and enriching topic, Café international seeks to raise awareness, inform and to initiate reflection. Events may include: presentations and discussions, exchanges in diverse formats, artistic interludes and first-person accounts by incoming and outgoing persons and interested parties.

Equally welcome, are the experiences and expertise of members of the University community, as well as contributions and recommendations by external experts.

The aim is to provide a low-threshold and convivial offer with added value:

Input and exchange about personal experiences on intercultural challenges for persons studying and working at the University of Basel
Development of strategies in this regard, including best practices
Informal exchange at an Apéro.

We would like to invite all newcomers (international Master and PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, lecturers, visiting researcher, and employees) as well as interested local persons from the University and its affiliated institutions who are interested in the topic.

These events are an open platform for initiatives and exchange with an intercultural focus inside and outside the University – suggestions and ideas are most welcome!

Café international EVENTS in 2024

These are our next Café international-events:

Thursday, 10 October 2024, 17:30-19:00: The University of Basel throughout the year and centuries – a guided tour of the old town (in English).
Monday, 21 October 2024, 18:00-20:00: Living in Basel, living in Switzerland. On the mystery of the Bebbisagg and intercultural surprises (in English).

For more information see flyer with details incl. registration-link in the download section. Overview of all Café international-events > see at the very bottom.

Please feel invited to contact us on welcome@unibas.ch

with your suggestions,
if you are interested in any of our events,
or if you would like to be included in our mailing list.

We are looking very much looking forward hearing from you!

RESOURCES: Overview of existing Unibas-offers & -contact points with intercultural elements

Test your intercultural awareness

EURAXESS Intercultural Assistant

Intercultural learning with SIETAR Switzerland

The unit "International Office" is a member of SIETAR Switzerland - Society for Intercultural Education, Training & Research since 2020. SIETAR Switzerland offers via webinars and numerous other events (e.g. SIETAR Switzerland Congress in Yverdon-les-Bains in 5/2022) interesting opportunities for intercultural sensitization and learning. The institutional membership is on disposal for staff members of the University of Basel; for students some events are free of charge, too. Interested persons are warmly invited to contact the Welcome & Euraxess Center for more information and access.

Social Life & Integration

Integration occurs on various levels. In addition to work or studies, there are other ways to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings and feel integrated. Here you find ideas, suggestions, recommended literature and contacts compiled by the Welcome & Euraxess Center.