Watching foreign films, TV shows, and reading books from other cultures is a way to train, expand and broaden our cultural intelligence. Some years ago, I found myself reflecting on the transformative power of foreign narratives. Having spent much of my life traveling, living, and studying in diverse countries, I’ve always been drawn to the rich tapestry of human culture. My career, particularly my work with immigrants, refugees, and expats, has deepened this connection.

Years down the track, I came to realise that my time with the Reggio Emilia method taught me that teaching, when lived fully, is not about control but about culture: a living dialogue between people, ideas, creation, and place. In the Reggio Emilia method, a classroom is called an atelier, meaning a “studio of becoming.” That phrase stayed with me long after I left Italy. Ideally, this is how an auditorium should feel in higher education.

For me, experiencing the Reggio Emilia institutions in Italy was extraordinary, and it left a deep mark on my educational philosophy moving forward. It revealed that education is not only about transferring knowledge; it is about shaping belonging, identity, and connection. These schools embodied the idea that creativity is not a luxury. It is how communities rebuild. It is how learners find their voice, and how societies imagine and build their future.

In an age of fast-paced digital consumption and curated perfection, there are rare artists who touch something deeper. Someone, who remind us of the raw, unfiltered beauty of life itself. Jonna Jinton is one such artist. A Swedish creative powerhouse, she has captured hearts across the globe through an unwavering commitment to authenticity, cultural honesty, and an artistic dance with her heritage that is as real as the northern winds that sweep through her village.

How Culture Shapes Communication in Higher Education Teaching. Explore how culture shapes communication in higher education and transforms university teaching. This article helps university lecturers understand how communication influences student engagement, belonging, and learning outcomes. Discover how creativity, cultural awareness, and pedagogical communication come together to support more meaningful, human-centred teaching practices in diverse and evolving university c