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When Trust Shifts, Where Do We Stand?
Oddly enough, most of us don't notice that trust has changed - until it starts to affect us. This applies not only to us as individuals, but also to relationships between states. This is true of the relationship between Canada and the U.S.A., built over decades of economic, political, and social interdependence. In addition, they speak the same language, and their cultures feel similar and familiar. Trust between them has long run parallel with predictability. As Canadians
Sabine Mueller-Heijmans
Sep 143 min read


Charles De Gaulle or the Intercultural Paradox of Fierce Patriotism
Human beings are full of contradictions. The very qualities that make us valuable can also turn us into difficult creatures to deal with. Strong conviction can help achieve goals but can also develop into blind arrogance. Pride can prove inclusive and protective or exclusive and discriminatory. Stubbornness can obstruct cooperation or make sure a project stays on course. And often it is only in hindsight that we can tell which was which. I was reminded of this while watching
Mauritius Wijffels
Sep 134 min read


Brazil: Keep Smiling and Make Things Work
At the turn of the millennium, I spent three years working and living in Brazil. And honestly, it would be difficult for anyone not to fall in love with the country and the Brazilians. Why? Well, simply visit Brazil and try not being struck by both its natural splendours and the warmth of everyday human interaction. For even in difficult circumstances, the default Brazilian response will be a smile, a joke, or a reassuring tudo bem (“all good”). To outsiders, this may appear
Mauritius Wijffels
Sep 64 min read


Every Culture Has Its Stage and Costumes
When ethnocentrism quietly enters the 'cultural' theatre.
Mauritius Wijffels
Aug 204 min read


When Similar Cultures Clash: Spain vs Italy
Spain and Italy appear culturally close. But what happens when two cultures share the same values—and disagree about what those values actually mean? An intercultural look at trust, solidarity, flexibility and the cultural assumptions beneath them.
Mauritius Wijffels
Aug 104 min read


Curiosity: the most underrated intercultural competence
Curiosity proects us against our illusion that we already understand something.
Mauritius Wijffels
Jul 163 min read


Brazilian Cinema: a growing intercultural power
Brazilian cinema is a great chance to look beyond cultural clichés.
Mauritius Wijffels
Jun 253 min read


The Intercultural Power of Music
Standing on equal footing, listening with equal hearts...
Mauritius Wijffels
Jun 153 min read


Hungary: the art of remembering
Other cultures helping to keep us on our toes....
Mauritius Wijffels
May 243 min read


The latest fashion from Paris: kindness?
Finding our footing with good manners....
Mauritius Wijffels
May 173 min read


How did Canada just become the 'hottest' place on Earth?
Finding your footing on the world stage...
Sabine Mueller-Heijmans
May 103 min read


How efficient is punctuality?
Stepping into someone else's perspective...
Mauritius Wijffels
May 33 min read


Why do something about interculturality now?
Exploring intercultural blind spots to better communicate, collaborate, and view others
Mauritius Wijffels
May 22 min read
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