# Let’s work in Erasmus+ Global SA-IS (Savonia-ISCISA) Project

> Developing Cultural Competence in Erasmus Global Collaboration with Savonia and ISCISA in Maputo.

## Key Tips for Success in Diverse Work and Study Environments

Working or studying with people from different cultures requires understanding and respect. To promote cross-cultural cooperation and achieve the best results, consider the following:

*   **Learn the basics:** Research customs, holidays, rules of conduct, and communication styles using the internet, books, and academic publications.
*   **Ask and listen:** Be respectful and open when asking about culture. Listen attentively to appreciate the experiences and perspectives of others.
*   **Be aware of assumptions:** Recognize your own biases and try to view situations from multiple perspectives.
*   **Practice empathy:** Put yourself in the other person’s shoes to understand how their background influences their behavior.
*   **Build trust:** Be reliable, consistent, and honest. Trust is the foundation of effective cooperation.
*   **Agree on common goals:** Establish clear principles and expectations for the work group.
*   **Respect differences:** Value the strengths and weaknesses inherent in every culture.
*   **Be open to change:** Adapt your own behavior and be willing to compromise to foster better cooperation.

## The Erasmus+ Global SA-IS Project

This article is part of a series on the Erasmus+ Global project between Savonia University of Applied Sciences and the Instituto Superior de Ciências de Saúde (ISCISA) in Mozambique. The project aims to strengthen the cultural competence of both healthcare institutions through the creation of a joint online course and teacher/student exchanges.

Working in a digital environment in Mozambique presents unique challenges compared to Finland, including unreliable internet connections and lower familiarity with certain digital learning platforms. Consequently, the project emphasizes face-to-face collaboration.

## Project Implementation and Digital Learning

The team focused on summarizing project goals and utilizing digital tools, including the Erasmus Global Open Edu learning environment, ThingLink, and Moodle’s H5P tools. The collaborative work involved:

*   Ensuring all participants could independently access the course and edit content.
*   Developing course sections on "Understanding Cultural Competence" and "Adapting to New Cultural Environment."
*   Creating introductory videos and learning paths regarding hospitals, educational institutions, and everyday cultural environments.
*   Interviewing students about their experiences with culture shock and their coping mechanisms.

## Understanding Culture Shock

A core component of the project is learning to navigate culture shock—the confusion, anxiety, or frustration that can arise when encountering a new, unfamiliar culture. The project materials help participants prepare for these challenges, emphasizing that:

*   Cultural norms regarding greetings, emotional expression, and social interaction vary significantly.
*   Linguistic differences remain a major barrier to subtle communication.
*   Understanding these differences is essential to avoid racism and xenophobia, and to promote equal human relations.

## Authors

*   **Petri Suohovi**, Senior Lecturer, MNs, RN, Paramedic. Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health care, petri.suohovi@savonia.fi
*   **Sari Oderhohwo**, Senior Lecturer, MNs, RN. Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health care, sari.oderhohwo@savonia.fi
*   **Leonel Monjane**, Senior Lecturer, MSs, BT. Instituto Superior de Ciências de Saúde, Area das Ciências de Diagnóstico, leonelfidalgomonjane@iscisa.ac.mz