Practical implementation of an online intercultural exchange
The experimentation of the Connexion·s project
At the end of our 2 years and a half project, after deeply exploring the concept and realities of interculturality and digital, the consortium experienced its own intercultural online activity : “You(TH) CREATE”. This hybrid intercultural meeting brought together 32 young people from the 4 partner countries (Belgium, Macedonia, Tunisia, France).
The aim of the meeting was to explore the themes of interculturality, digital technology and civic commitment. Through various workshops and discussions, participants discovered new tools and debated what these themes mean from different points of view and cultural perspectives. By meeting virtually, they began to work together to design a digital campaign addressing digital inequalities.
Examples of activities we have tested during the online sessions:
Our testimony and tips following this experimentation
V Intercultural aspects, small-group exchanges, acquisition of communication skills
V Discovery of tools like Gather town, hybrid participation enabled young people from various countries to exchange ideas despite visa or economic constraints
V English subtitles facilitated understanding, and partners coordinated well via dedicated channels to resolve logistical problems.
X Camera problems and unknown names, making harder the speech management
X Oral instructions sometimes lacked clarity, and the uneven internet connection disrupted activities.
→ Improve planning, avoid sessions that are too long
→ Test digital tools in advance
→ Favor more relaxed moments of exchange adapted to the objectives.
Start playing
Jeu de la lettre (Intercultural game (in French)
Number of participants: Min: 2
Maximum suggested: 20
Time: 30 min – 1h
The “jeu de la lettre” is a very great and easy game to understand what is “cultural perception”. This activity helps to raise awareness, before departure, of the fact that our feelings are guided by our experience and culture, and that if we don’t go beyond these feelings, we may miss out on reality and the discovery of others.
Feedback: The youth liked it a lot, and we created a debate after on cultural lens and how to understand someone else when there is no “right or wrong” but only difference of point of view.
We would recommend using the “cultural iceberg” (easy to find on the internet) or deeper discussions.
Jeu de l’exception (CF CCFD) + debate on the notion of belonging, identity, etc. in French
Number de participant·e·s: Min: 9
Maximum suggested: Undefined
Time: 20 min – 45 min (Depending on the number of participants)
The game of the exception explores the notion of group and rejection. The aim is to talk about what it feels like to find ‘your own kind’ and to be isolated. It’s an entry point for discussing exclusion and thinking about people who find themselves in situations of rejection and discrimination in our societies and the world.
Benefice and inconvenient of digital
Duration : 1h – (5 minutes: all participants log in – 10 minutes: link sent – rules explained and tool appropriated – 30 minutes: moving debate – 15 minutes: debriefing)
Number of participants : 25 people maximum on the free version
Number of facilitators : 1 minimum
This game simulates scenarios where participants have to defend their point of view on concrete situations involving the use of digital technologies. Participants move around Gather Town to indicate their position (agree/disagree) on each statement. Small-group or plenary discussions follow each move to explore the arguments on each side. After the debate, a feedback session allows participants to share their feelings and analyze the different positions expressed.
Feedback : Gathertown worked pretty well because of the guidance and the fact that we tried it before with our colleagues. Since we tried it before with people that never “played” it, it was easier to see what could not work and what was not obvious.
Brainstorming session of introduction of international solidarity and discussion
Number de participant·e·s: Min: 15
Maximum suggested: Undefined
Time: 20 min – 45 min (Depending on the number of participants)
The aim of this brainstorming session for solidarity was to foster a collaborative environment where participants can generate and share ideas that promote unity, mutual support, and collective action.
This session’s goal was to familiarize the participants with the solidarity and its meaning and on the other side to create a safe space where participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences, which can help build trust and understanding.
More info from the session and participation of youth on the link below
Feedback : The participants enjoyed being able to share their opinions on the questions, and for those with less experience, it was very instructive. However, it was difficult to make sure that everyone participated on Padlet, and the interaction during the discussions lacked structure. There should also have been more time to allow everyone to get fully involved.
Inter Knowledge – Hunt
Number de participant·e·s: Min: 15
Maximum suggested: 25
Time: 20 min – 45 min (Depending on the number of participants)
The game serves as an icebreaker, helping participants feel more comfortable and engaged. By finding and sharing items from their environment, participants can break the initial ice and start interacting in a fun and relaxed manner. It also provides a structured way for participants to introduce themselves.
Feedback : The participants had fun getting to know the other participants, and everyone presented themselves in an original and interesting way. However, this activity requires a stable internet connection, and it would be important for participants to turn on their cameras during the presentations.
Inequalities of access to digital
Number de participant·e·s: Min: 15
Maximum suggested: 35
Time: 45 min – 60 min (Depending on the number of participants)
The game “Inequalities of Access to Digital” aims to highlight and explore the disparities in access to digital technologies among different groups. Participants are given tasks to find items around their environment within a set time (e.g., 2 minutes). They then share these items via webcam, introduce themselves, and discuss how they feel using emoji reactions. This activity encourages participants to reflect on their own access to digital tools and share their experiences, fostering awareness and understanding of digital inequalities.
Feedback : The participants were able to learn about the concept of international solidarity through the presentation and reflect on their own situation. However, this activity requires a stable internet connection, and participants need to be informed in advance in order to answer questions relating to their actual situation.
Intercultural game
Number de participant·e·s: Min: 8 (but max. 8/group)
Maximum suggested: Undefined
Time: 30 min – 60 min (Depending on the number of participants)
The intercultural game is designed to launch a discussion between participants on their cultural perceptions associated with countries and what we know about others. This enables stereotypes to be identified and then discussions that take place between participants helps to deconstruct these stereotypes and learn from them.
Feedback: The young people appreciated having time to discuss their stereotypes and representations of other countries. Dividing them into small groups allowed everyone to have their say. However, dividing the groups took time because the leader did not have the authorization to do on the Zoom application, but a partner quickly took over. There was also a lack of time for more in-depth discussions, and you have to be prepared for the unexpected.
THE CIRCLE GAME
Number de participant·e·s: Min: 12
Maximum suggested: 25
Time: 50 min – 1h15 (Depending on the number of participants)
The circle game explores the feeling of being rejected from a group, both from the point of view of the person who is excluded and from the ones who are excluding (what emotions do they feel ?). It’s a way of approaching the theme of culture shock and interculturality through a discussion to improve our capacity of empathy.
Feedback: The discussions on intercultural shock and the feeling of exclusion allowed a sincere exchange between the participants, all of them having already experienced some form of exclusion. This strengthened the cohesion of the group and encouraged reflection on the different ways of perceiving and integrating others. However, the group was too small (3 people), which prevented a real group effect. The excluded person was more of an observer, without feeling rejected. It would be preferable to have at least 12 participants and to define more precise roles to better convey the feeling of exclusion.
Role-play: intercultural encounters
Number de participant·e·s: Min: 12
Maximum suggested: 25
Time: 8 to 12 minutes for the main part. Additional time depends on the discussion that follows, where the groups share their experiences and answer debriefing questions, such as their feelings and observations during the game.
The following role-play is an excellent way to raise your participant’s awareness of the importance of differences in non-verbal communication. It may even help students to experience culture shock for a few minutes. Therefore, it is probably best used with a monolingual/monocultural group who has little or no experience of meeting people from other cultures.
The Q&A for efficient intercultural exchange online
What type of animation to maintain the attention of the participants?/ How can we make the content more engaging and interactive?
- For a more engaging interaction, it is recommended to maintain a safe and positive atmosphere to keep participants attentive (trust is important for this type of event).
- Consider organizing sessions where participants can discuss a specific topic and rotate partners every 15 minutes to ensure everyone is engaged. Proper timing is crucial to maintain an active and productive discussion.
- Utilize tools that participants are comfortable using. The animators should provide clear instructions on how to navigate them, and it will be easier for them to actively participate in activities that require them to create or contribute online.
- With the feeling of having a common goal or project, the participants will increase their participation and engagement of the activity/discussion. Allow equal opportunities for everyone to voice their thoughts and opinions (and unsure that they feel concerned by the topic)
- When presenting content, consider using multimedia elements such as videos and creative slides (verify that the audio is enabled for virtual meetings).
- Bonus tip: It’s important to find a balance between interactive and participative activities (collective reflection, group work) and theoretical presentations. To make participants feel legitimate and motivated to get involved, it is useful to start with a theoretical presentation that introduces the concepts in a general way. However, too much theory risks diminishing their commitment and interest in participating.
- Example: To approach the theme of interculturality, start with a general presentation of the concepts, then engage the participants with an interactive module, such as a ‘representation canvas’, where they can freely express their perceptions and ideas.
How long to “meet” through the screen? / inter connaissance
- It is recommended that the energizer activity does not exceed 15-20 min (but this will also depend on the number of participants and the type of energizer you make)
- Following the energizer, short breakout sessions, sharing cultural aspects such as pictures, images of their hometown, favorite dishes, and personal perspectives on the topic at hand which lead to a better meeting time and real exchanges.
What type of tools or animation to collect the info/feedback after my event?
There are different ways that exists to collect feedback:
- In order to have useful and relevant data, you should evaluate your event at the end of your activity, using tools such as with a wheel of emotion .
- Participants should be encouraged to provide feedback on what they found valuable, areas for improvement, and elements they enjoyed. This direct feedback can help to judge the success (or not) of the project. .
- A follow-up evaluation post-activity, preferably via email, can allow for a deeper understanding and feedback (at least one week after, and you can see in the Guide of Good practice for examples of tools you could use)
How can I mobilize youth and make sure that my event has some visibility ?/ How will we promote the event to reach our targeted audience?
- Initially, we aim to identify and mobilize resources for youth engagement. This includes determining the ideal timing for activities, creating relevant and appealing content, and highlighting the benefits for participants. Once these elements are defined, based on our experience, we employ two mobilization methods.
- The first is direct mobilization, where we contact the youth by phone, organize informal information sessions to present the activity and its importance.
- Afterward, we can proceed with mobilizing through publishing engaging and visually attractive content on social media to maximize visibility and encourage participation. However, it is important to note that word-of-mouth mobilization is very effective and crucial in ensuring the presence of young people.
- In some case, it is necessary to provide internet fees for youth who have limited access, such as giving them prepaid cards to activate internet access.
- Offering participation certificates and allowing young people to lead sessions during the activity can also help them feel more involved and act as key players in the activity.
What tools are usable in every country and do not ask for a lot of connection? /What platform will we use, and is it accessible to all participants?
Based on our experience working with young people from various countries, Google Meet has proven to be an excellent platform for facilitating exchanges between individuals from different regions and nations. It is free, easily accessible to everyone, and does not require downloading an application.
On the other hand, platforms like Teams and Zoom have certain limitations. Firstly, they require subscription fees, and secondly, they demand a strong internet connection to access meetings. If the connection is poor, it can be difficult to join. Additionally, meetings on Teams are limited to one hour per session.
What type of animation for a short time and unaware public?
For engaging young people online, especially for a short duration and an unaware audience, consider these methods:
- Interactive webinars: Short, engaging webinars with interactive elements like polls, Q&A sessions, and live chats can capture attention and provide valuable information.
- Social media challenges: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are great for launching fun challenges that encourage participation and sharing.
- Virtual workshops: These can include activities like art, coding, or DIY projects. They provide a hands-on experience and can be very engaging.
- Gamified learning: Using game elements in educational content can make learning fun and engaging. Platforms like Kahoot! and Quizizz are popular for this.
- Live streaming: Hosting live events on platforms like Twitch or YouTube live can create a sense of community and real-time interaction.
- Short video clips: Creating short, informative, and entertaining videos can quickly capture the attention of young people. These can be shared on social media or video platforms.
- Virtual reality (VR) experiences: VR can provide immersive experiences that are both educational and entertaining. This can be particularly engaging for tech-savvy young audiences.
How to listen to participants’ needs and adapt to their circumstances (network, etc.) ?
- Active listening: Engage fully with participants by listening with all your senses. This means paying attention not just to their words, but also to their tone, body language (if visible), and any other cues.
- Ask clarifying questions: If something isn’t clear, ask follow-up questions to ensure you understand their needs and concerns. This shows that you are genuinely interested in their input.
- Summarize and Reflect: Repeat back what you’ve heard to confirm understanding. This can help clarify any misunderstandings and shows that you are actively engaged.
- Be empathetic: Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings and circumstances. This can help build trust and make participants feel valued.
- Adapt communication styles: Be flexible in your communication approach. Some participants might prefer visual aids, while others might benefit from written summaries or verbal explanations.
- Consider technical constraints: Be mindful of participants’ technical limitations, such as internet connectivity or device capabilities. Offer alternatives like downloadable content or lower-bandwidth options.
- Provide multiple channels for feedback: Allow participants to share their thoughts through various means, such as surveys, chat, or email. This can help accommodate different preferences and ensure everyone has a voice.
- Create a supportive environment: Foster an environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their needs and concerns. This can be achieved by being approachable and open to feedback.
How can I prevent or limit the unexpected ?
- Plan the meeting in advance and beware of timetables of each participants
- Write an email the day before with the information, objectives of the session(the tools used during the session, maybe share the agenda too) and the link
- Same day reminder email with the link and the time session takes place
- Prepare in advance all the slides and documents to be projected, test the tools we are going to propose and check their accessibility (free of use, no need for registration, prepare a little example of how to use it,…)
- Before the meeting, ask the participants what media they will be able to use to follow the meeting (adapt these tools according to the ability of those present to participate)
- save the session in case certain people have to leave ealier or face a problem of connexion
- Always send an email at the end with a sum up of the most important information and ask what were the problems and try to find a solution for the next session
What tools for disabled people /what criteria should I look for if I want to make it inclusive ?(sous-titres, descriptions audio, couleurs…)
- Try to know if there are disabled people who participate and try to adapt your content to their needs.
- Provide subtitles and audio descriptions of an image
- Use a fairly large font with well-defined contrasts (not too many different colours and the same harmony).
- Offer to participate in writing or orally
- Ask people with disabilities what can be improved for a future session –
- Plan extra time with them after the session?
