The spring semester course is designed to provide a space for students to develop competence of communication with people from different cultures in a variety of contexts. In and outside the classroom, students will reflect on their own personal experiences involving cultural differences and explore characteristic aspects of significant cultural groups around the world. They will also have ample opportunities to cultivate their cultural intelligence (CQ) and intercultural communication skills through hands-on activities. The second focus of the course is placed on an essential schema of intercultural communication competence, persuasive speaking. We will explore the three classical persuasive appeals as well as contemporarily recommended methods and strategies to exert influence in work and life.