To adequately carry out a helping profession, it is necessary to establish an empathic relationship with the assisted person. The course is intended to help workers engaged in any capacity in migrant assistance to acquire a mindset that will enable him or her to welcome with curiosity, not suspicion, the wonderful world of “human biodiversity” with which he or she will come into contact. Topics such as the dynamics of inter-cultural relations, ethnocentrism, concepts of state and nation, cultural relativism and human rights will be addressed during the course. Migration also raises many ethical questions, and some reflections on this topic will be offered. A part of the course will be devoted to the analysis of migration phenomena, to understand what are the main drivers of migration push such as global warming and statal failure. The course closes with an illustration of some of the main health issues of migrants, with special reference to the Balkan route, and an analysis of some case studies.

Prerequisites: to work, in any capacity, in the social and health care field.