Representatives of the SPACE Center of the Latvian Academy of Culture participate in the Culture Traineeship Programme for Staff organized by the ACE²-EU Alliance
From 23–26 February, colleagues from across the nine universities of the European University Alliance ACE2-EU gathered in Madrid for the Culture Traineeship Programme – a shared journey dedicated to strengthening intercultural competence and deepening collaboration across universities.
Developed by the SPACE Centre (Societal Partnerships and Cultural Engagement Centre) Culture Hub in close partnership with colleagues from nine institutions, the programme brought together academic, administrative, and support staff working in international and intercultural environments. Over four immersive days, participants engaged in interactive sessions, reflective dialogue, and collaborative learning that placed cultural collaboration and intercultural interactions at the heart of internationalisation in higher education institutions.
The programme combined dynamic formats, from ice-breakers and role-play to reflective group work, with deeper exploration of intercultural competence, inclusive environments, and shared strategies for internationalisation. Sessions such as the “Wheel of Interculturality,” “Intercultural Encounters,” internationalization strategies, storytelling exchanges, and discussions on building bridges across institutions created space for openness, curiosity, and authentic exchange among the alliance partners as they shared their perspectives.
A meaningful highlight was the blend of structured learning and cultural immersion, including artistic reflections through theatrical techniques and intercultural encounters that connected theory with lived experience. Beyond professional development, the programme created a safe and supportive environment for honest conversations, mutual learning, and genuine connection.
At its core, the Culture Traineeship Programme reinforced the importance of intercultural dialogue, shared European values, and a more integrated academic community. By offering both practical tools and space for reflection, the initiative empowered participants to continue fostering inclusive and globally engaged environments within their institutions.
More about ACE2-EU: https://www.ace2eu.eu/
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 European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project 101177596. The ACE²-EU project is co-financed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia
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