Academic Room: Module 3-Unit 4: Intercultural Communication https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/AllItems.aspx RSS feed for the Module 3-Unit 4: Intercultural Communication list. Sat, 02 May 2026 09:50:58 GMT Microsoft SharePoint Foundation RSS Generator 60 en-US Academic Room: Module 3-Unit 4: Intercultural Communication https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/_layouts/15/images/siteIcon.png https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/AllItems.aspx HW (2/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=278 Body:

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I experienced a situation during an international workshop where non-verbal communication led to misunderstanding. While presenting an idea, one participant avoided direct eye contact and kept a certain physical distance. Some members of the group interpreted this as a lack of confidence or interest. However, later we realized that in their culture, prolonged eye contact can be seen as disrespectful, especially when speaking to someone perceived as having higher status.


The misunderstanding occurred because non-verbal communication rules, such as eye contact, personal space, and gestures, differ across cultures. What is considered polite and appropriate in one culture may be interpreted negatively in another. This experience taught me that non-verbal signals are strongly influenced by cultural background, and it is important not to judge behavior without understanding its cultural context.


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]]> Anamaria Bura Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:26:23 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=278 HW (1/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=277 Body:

I experienced a situation during a group discussion with international students where different verbal communication styles caused confusion. One student communicated in a very direct way, openly criticizing ideas and expressing disagreement clearly. However, another student, coming from a more indirect communication culture, interpreted this as rude and disrespectful. The atmosphere became tense because the direct comments were seen as personal criticism rather than constructive feedback.


This miscommunication occurred because verbal communication rules vary across cultures. In some cultures, being direct is seen as honest and efficient, while in others, people prefer a more polite and indirect way of expressing disagreement to maintain harmony. Since we were not fully aware of these differences, we misunderstood each other’s intentions. This experience showed me how important cultural sensitivity and awareness are in communication, especially in multicultural environments.


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]]> Anamaria Bura Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:24:50 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=277 ​​​​​​​​​​HW (4/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=276 Body:

​When I analyze my own communication style, I would describe it as mostly affective and contextual, because I focus on building good relationships with my colleagues and rely on understanding the social context and hierarchy when interacting. Problems can arise when I communicate with people who are very direct and individual-centered, as they may prioritize efficiency and problem-solving over relationship-building, which can make me feel rushed or undervalued. I have encountered such situations during group projects with international students, where my attempts to create consensus were perceived as indecisiveness, causing slight frustration. After we discussed our communication preferences, we adjusted our approach, which improved teamwork and mutual understanding.

]]> Luka Cikoja Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:19:09 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=276 HW (3/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=275 Body:

​Yes, during my exchange year, I noticed that the cafeteria culture was very different from what I was used to in Croatia. Students often ate together in groups and stayed for hours, chatting and working on projects, while in my home university people usually ate quickly and left. At first, I felt a bit out of place and rushed, but over time I adapted and started enjoying the social aspect. The difference happened because campus norms and daily routines were more relaxed and community-focused abroad.

]]> Luka Cikoja Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:17:13 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=275 HW (2/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=274 Body:

​During my internship at a multinational company, I noticed that a colleague from Japan would bow slightly every time he greeted someone, while I was used to shaking hands. At first, I felt awkward and wasn’t sure if he was being too formal or cold. He, on the other hand, thought I was being impolite because I didn’t bow back. The misunderstanding happened because our non-verbal communication rules for greetings were different, and neither of us realized it was a cultural habit rather than a personal attitude. In the end, I learned to combine a handshake with a small nod, and we laughed about the initial confusion

]]> Luka Cikoja Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:15:42 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=274 HW (1/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=273 Body:

​This winter, while volunteering at a local library, an Italian tourist came to me asking for “un biglietto” to borrow a book. I thought he meant a ticket for an event, because in Croatian the word “bilet” usually refers to a ticket. He looked quite confused when I told him we don’t sell tickets, and I didn’t understand why he kept pointing at the books. After a few minutes, I realized he meant a library card (“biglietto” in Italian can mean a pass or card), not an event ticket. The misunderstanding happened because the words sounded similar but had different meanings in our languages. In the end, I explained how to get a library card, and he thanked me with a big smile.

]]> Luka Cikoja Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:14:21 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=273 ​​​​​​​​​​HW (4/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=272 Body:

My communication style is mostly individual-centered and instrumental. I tend to express my own opinions openly, treat people as equals, and focus on solving problems efficiently rather than emphasizing formalities or relationships. This aligns with individualism and monochronic time orientation.
When communicating with people who have a contextual or affective style, problems can arise. For example, during Erasmus, I worked with students who valued hierarchy and indirect communication. My direct, problem-focused approach sometimes came across as blunt or insensitive, while their more relationship-focused, indirect style felt unclear or slow to me. The consequence was occasional misunderstandings and initial tension, but once we recognized our differences and adjusted our approach, communication improved significantly.​
]]> Mark Lazic Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:09:26 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=272 HW (3/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=271 Body:

Yes, during Erasmus I noticed that some campuses were much more informal than I was used to in Croatia. Professors encouraged open debates, students freely challenged ideas, and attendance rules were more flexible. In contrast, I was accustomed to a more structured environment with clear hierarchies and stricter expectations, so adapting to the freer, more interactive style took some adjustment.​

]]> Mark Lazic Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:07:53 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=271 HW (2/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=270 Body:

During Erasmus, I noticed that a student from Southern Europe often stood very close when speaking, while I am used to keeping more personal space. At first, I felt uncomfortable and interpreted it as intrusive, while they thought I was being distant or unfriendly. The misunderstanding happened because our non-verbal communication rules, like personal space, were different, and neither of us realized it was cultural rather than personal.​

]]> Mark Lazic Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:06:54 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=270 HW (1/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=269 Body:

During Erasmus, I worked in a group with students from Northern Europe who were very direct in giving feedback, while I am used to a more indirect and polite style. At first, I felt their comments were harsh or rude, and they thought I wasn’t giving enough input. The misunderstanding occurred because our verbal communication rules differed—what was meant as constructive criticism in their culture felt confrontational to me, and my indirect style seemed vague to them. Once we clarified our approaches, communication improved.​

]]> Mark Lazic Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:06:11 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=269 HW (3/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=268 Body:

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I didn’t experience it myself, but a friend told me that at their exchange university attendance was taken very seriously. Even for lectures, missing classes without a good reason could affect your final grade. In their home country attendance wasn’t that strict, so it was a bit of a shock at first.


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]]> Fran Maletic Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:44:27 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=268 HW (2/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=208 Body:



I didn’t experience it myself, but a friend told me that at their exchange university attendance was taken very seriously. Even for lectures, missing classes without a good reason could affect your final grade. In their home country attendance wasn’t that strict, so it was a bit of a shock at first.


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]]> Fran Maletic Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:24:29 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=208 ​​​​​​​​​​HW (4/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=267 Body:

When I analyze my own communication style, I would describe it as mostly direct but polite, because I prefer to express my opinions clearly and honestly while still respecting other people’s feelings, and I value open discussion and clear feedback instead of indirect hints. Problems can arise when I communicate with people who have a very indirect style, as they may avoid saying “no” directly or expect others to read between the lines, which can lead to misunderstandings. I have encountered such situations in multicultural teamwork, where a colleague once said a task “might be difficult” instead of clearly refusing, and I misunderstood the message, which caused confusion and delay. After we discussed our communication styles openly, we understood each other better and improved our cooperation.


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]]> Anamaria Bura Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:26:04 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=267 HW (3/4) - Individual https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=266 Body:

Yes, during my exchange year I experienced several different behaviors and rules on campus compared to my home university, such as a more informal relationship between students and professors and greater freedom to express opinions during lectures. There were also different rules regarding attendance and participation, which were sometimes more flexible than what I was used to. At first these differences felt unusual, but over time I adapted and began to appreciate the new academic culture, which helped me become more open-minded and flexible.


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]]> Anamaria Bura Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:23:24 GMT https://confident.feaa.uaic.ro/CyberCafe/Academic/Lists/Module 3Unit 4 Intercultural Communication/DispForm.aspx?ID=266