Pre-doctoral Training China 2026-2027

Join this programme for incoming Chinese PhD students on interpersonal and intercultural competence: communication and presentation skills.

The University of Groningen Pre-doctoral Training is specifically designed for incoming Chinese PhD students who will begin their PhD trajectories in Groningen. The transition to a new academic and cultural environment can be challenging. This programme aims to equip participants with the interpersonal and intercultural skills needed to navigate common challenges during their PhD journey, strengthen their research ideas, and prepare for academic discussions with peers, supervisors, and other researchers.

Format

The programme consists of two parts: the Dutch Crash Course and the Soft Skills Training.

The Dutch Crash Course is a two-hour session that introduces participants to the Dutch academic system, Dutch culture, and life in the Netherlands. It helps participants understand what to expect during their PhD journey and supports a smoother transition to living and working in the Netherlands.

• 1 introductory session (2 hours) in the full group of approximately 30 students

The Soft Skills Training consists of two half-day sessions on presentation and communication skills, followed by an intervision session. These sessions help participants develop confidence in presenting their research, communicating with different audiences, and giving and receiving feedback.

• 2 half-day training sessions on presentation and communication skills in half groups of approximately 15 students
• 1 intervision session in a smaller group of 7-8 students (approximately 2 hours)

Application requirements

Applicants must be Chinese students who will start PhD trajectories in the University of Groningen after 1 Sep. 2026.
Applicants must be available to attend all the lectures during the course dates.

Organisers

Department of International Strategy and Relations and Groningen Graduate Schools.

Instructors

• Dutch Crash Course: Ms. Xuefei Knoester-Cao, Policy Advisor ISR, Director Groningen Confucius Institute
• Soft Skills Training: Ms. Sophie Laemers, Academic teacher/trainer professional development

Dates and times

Dutch Crash Course:

• Monday 9 November 2026, 14:00-16:00h (Group 1+2)

Soft Skills Session 1:

• Group 1: Thursday 12 November 2026, 9:00-13:00h
• Group 2: Friday 13 November 2026, 9:00-13:00h

Soft Skills Session 2:

• Group 1: Thursday 26 November 2026, 9:00-13:00h
• Group 2: Friday 27 November 2026, 9:00-13:00h

Soft Skills Intervision Session:

• Late February/early March 2027 (Date, time and location are to be confirmed in late November 2026)

Location

Lecture rooms (TBA) in the University of Groningen.

Certificate and credits

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive a certificate worth 1 ECTS credit. To obtain the certificate and ECTS credit, participants must attend and actively participate in the Dutch Crash Course and all Soft Skills Training sessions, including the intervision session. Please check with your graduate school and supervisor whether the ECTS credit can be included in your PhD training programme.

Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

Learning goals

The programme prepares incoming PhD students for the start of their PhD trajectories in Groningen by developing the interpersonal skills and intercultural competences needed to navigate common academic and research-related challenges.

The main focus is on strengthening presentation and communication skills. Participants learn how to present and pitch their research clearly and confidently, adapt their message to different audiences, and communicate effectively in academic settings.

Through practice, feedback, and intervision, participants develop greater awareness of their communication style, strengths, and areas for improvement. They also learn how to give and receive constructive feedback and reflect on their experiences.

Moreover, the programme supports students’ transition to the Netherlands through an introduction to Dutch culture, daily life, and the Dutch academic system, helping them integrate more smoothly into Dutch academic life.

Registration

To register, please send an email to UG-Predoc-China@rug.nl. Please indicate the following information in the email:

• Name
• Email address
• WeChat ID (if available)
• Faculty in the University of Groningen
• Department in the Faculty
• Name of your supervisor in UG

Registration deadline

The registration deadline is Sunday 20 September 2026.
First come first serve. Full is full.