Communication: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is communication?

• Communication is the field that focuses on how people create, share, interpret, and understand messages.
• It examines how meaning is constructed through verbal and nonverbal communication in different contexts.
• Communication connects individuals, groups, organizations, and societies through interaction, media, and shared understanding.

What are the main reasons for being active in the field of communication?

• Communication plays a central role in how people relate to each other, make decisions, and shape social reality.
• The field offers insight into how messages influence attitudes, behavior, and relationships.
• Communication helps explain how organizations, institutions, and media function and interact with their environments.
• The field combines theoretical understanding with practical relevance across many sectors.
• Communication expertise remains relevant internationally, as interaction and meaning-making are shaped by cultural and social contexts.

What skills do you need to participate in communication?

• To communicate: the field often attracts people who enjoy expressing ideas clearly, listening attentively, and adjusting messages to different audiences and contexts.
• To analyse: communication appeals to those who are interested in examining messages, interactions, and media in a critical and structured way.
• To be empathic: the field suits people who are attentive to perspectives, emotions, and intentions in communication processes.
• To collaborate: communication often attracts people who are comfortable working within teams, organizations, or multidisciplinary settings.
• To be authentic: the field appeals to those who value credibility and consistency in how communication is shaped and perceived.

What motivates people to study or work in communication?

• Be and feel connected: communication often attracts people who value relationships, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
• Be and feel empathetic: the field appeals to those who are interested in perspectives, emotions, and social interaction.
• Be and feel involved: communication suits people who want to engage with social issues, media, or organizational dynamics.
• Be and feel meaningful with a sense of purpose: many people are drawn to communication because of its role in shaping understanding, trust, and cooperation.
• Be and feel self-aware: communication often attracts those interested in reflection on interaction, influence, and identity.

What are the best countries and locations to study or work in communication?

• Countries with strong research traditions in communication, media, and social interaction: United States, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands.
• Locations where communication is highly visible in media, culture, and public discourse: London, New York, Paris, Tokyo.
• Countries where multilingual and intercultural communication is part of everyday life and work: South Africa, Brazil.
• Countries with communication closely tied to social change, public debate, and everyday realities: United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Colombia.
• Countries where fast-moving international environments shape communication in organizations and society: Singapore, Qatar.

Where can you find work experience and vacancies for jobs, internships, and voluntary work in communication?

• Communication and media organizations abroad: suitable for journalism, content creation, media analysis, and public communication.
• Companies and business services abroad: suitable for internal communication, corporate communication, and stakeholder engagement.
• Government and policy institutions abroad: suitable for public communication, policy communication, and advocacy.
• Civil society organizations abroad: suitable for awareness campaigns, community communication, and social change initiatives.

What are things to consider when studying or working abroad in communication?

• When preparing to go abroad for communication, it is useful to have an overview of study, work, internships, volunteering, and other forms of international experience: activities around and abroad
• Practical and personal preparation plays an important role in a successful stay abroad, covering aspects such as planning, documentation, housing, and daily life: preparation for successful travel and stay abroad
• Health, insurance, and personal care arrangements are part of preparing for time abroad and require prior consideration: insuring and taking care abroad

Further depth: what is communication as a discipline?

What are the main features of communication?

• Focus: verbal and nonverbal communication, message creation and reception, and meaning-making across contexts.
• Methods: combines empirical research such as surveys and experiments with qualitative and critical analysis.
• Scope: ranges from interpersonal interaction to mass media and cultural communication systems.

What are important sub-areas of communication?

The field of communication consists of several interconnected sub-areas:

• Interpersonal Communication: focuses on communication in close relationships, families, and friendships.
• Organizational Communication: examines information flow, leadership, and interaction within organizations.
• Mass Communication: studies media production, distribution, and impact on large audiences.
• Public Relations: explores how organizations manage public image and stakeholder relationships.
• Intercultural Communication: focuses on communication across cultures, languages, and value systems.

What are key concepts of communication?

Several concepts are central to understanding communication processes:

• Encoding and Decoding: how ideas are transformed into messages and interpreted by receivers.
• Nonverbal Communication: the role of body language, facial expressions, and visual cues.
• Channels of Communication: how different channels affect message clarity and effectiveness.
• Social Influence: how communication shapes attitudes, beliefs, and behavior.

Who are influential figures in communication?

A number of scholars have shaped communication theory and research:

• Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver: developed the Mathematical Theory of Communication.
• Paul Watzlawick: emphasized the role of context and interaction in communication.
• Noam Chomsky: influenced communication studies through his work on language and structure.

Why is communication important?

Communication is essential in social, organizational, and global contexts:

• It enables understanding, cooperation, and coordination between people.
• It shapes how information, power, and influence circulate in society.
• It supports cultural exchange, education, and social change.

How is communication applied in practice?

Communication knowledge is applied in many professional settings:

• Business and organizations: leadership communication, internal communication, and collaboration.
• Education: teaching, learning environments, and knowledge transfer.
• Media and journalism: content creation, storytelling, and audience engagement.
• Public policy and advocacy: communicating complex issues to diverse audiences.
• International contexts: diplomacy, intercultural negotiation, and conflict resolution.