Intercultural Training Days at CTU in Prague: A best practice in staff development

The key element of the Erasmus+-funded visit to CTU was a practical intercultural training. Through dynamic exercises, engaging discussions, and personal reflection, participants deepened their cultural awareness and learned to navigate international collaboration with greater ease. These skills are vital in TUM’s day-to-day operations, especially in supporting international guests, managing diverse teams, and driving cross-cultural projects.

Fresh ideas for everyday work at TUM

The program was complemented by info sessions on various CTU projects. Topics such as digital workflows at the Graduate Center and innovative approaches in alumni and welcome services sparked particular interest. Many of the ideas presented are highly transferable to existing processes at TUM – for example, in better integrating central and decentralized services or in the strategic development of international offerings.

Dialogue and networking across disciplinary boundaries

A major highlight was the direct dialogue: Staff from four TUM Schools engaged in conversations with colleagues from various CTU departments – including administration, graduate centers, and faculty leadership. This cross-departmental exchange not only brought new perspectives but also enabled real-time knowledge transfer – often during the visit itself. Everyone found this “look beyond the horizon” to be especially enriching.

International exchange as a path to personal and professional development

Many participants used the Training Days as a springboard to explore international opportunities – ranging from language courses and seminars to Staff Weeks and self-organized job shadowing. Some have already embarked on new mobility experiences, with more in the pipeline. The trip to Prague thus became a personal motivator to explore new paths and further develop individual skillsets.

The Intercultural Training Days helped strengthen competencies, expand networks, and spark new ideas – demonstrating the great potential of targeted professional development, especially in an international context. A successful example of how TUM staff can actively contribute to the university’s global engagement.