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Watt’s research focuses on how Ukrainian artists in Estonia sustain their cultural and national identity through their art and how their work connects with Estonian culture. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Stanford University. His interdisciplinary approach combines political studies, film, art, linguistic and cultural identity, providing a unique lens through which to understand the experiences of war refugee communities in a foreign context.

In his lecture, Navigating Intercultural Communication as an “Outsider”, Watt shared insights from his ongoing film project on Ukrainian artists in Estonia. He reflected on the challenges and opportunities of conducting research on a community he is not part of, in a country he is not from. He discussed his experiences of building relationships and trust, engaging in intercultural dialogue and the significance of film as a medium for communication, highlighting both its limitations and opportunities.

In addition to discussing his research, Watt also shared his experiences as a , offering MA students valuable insights into academic and cultural exchange, as well as the opportunities and challenges of conducting research abroad. His reflections resonated particularly with students of Communication Management and Social Entrepreneurship, who found parallels between his experiences and their own studies on cross-cultural engagement, stakeholder communication, and the impact of storytelling in diverse societies.

The Erasmus+ students in attendance, many of whom had firsthand experience coping with new cultural environments, related to Watt’s discussion on building trust and overcoming barriers as an “Outsider.” They actively contributed their perspectives, drawing from their own mobility experiences across different countries. The lecture sparked engaging discussions on the role of media and the arts in fostering intercultural dialogue, as well as practical insights on navigating professional and academic opportunities abroad.

The lecture provoked a rich exchange of ideas with students actively engaging in conversations about intercultural communication, identity, and artistic expression. Many Super-Diversity course participants shared their own experiences of managing cultural differences in both their academic and personal lives, drawing connections between Watt’s research and their own encounters with diversity. The discussion also delved into the ways in which art can serve as a powerful tool for expressing and negotiating identity, with students exploring how creative work can bridge gaps between different cultural perspectives and foster deeper understanding.

Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School thanks Parker Watt for his valuable contribution and for sharing his insights, which inspired meaningful discussions among the students. Professor Anastassia Zabrodskaja, who initiated and hosted the event, expressed that the lecture was an invaluable addition to the MA students' education in Communication Management. She highlighted the importance of understanding the challenges and opportunities of intercultural communication, particularly in the context of globalized societies where superdiverse cultural perspectives often intersect.

Professor Anastassia Zabrodskaja emphasized how Parker Watt’s insights into the complexities of being an “outsider” in intercultural research resonated deeply with students, offering them practical and theoretical insights to apply in their own professional and academic pursuits. This lecture served as a significant opportunity for students to reflect on their roles in managing communication across diverse cultural contexts, preparing them for the complex challenges of their future careers in communication management and beyond.

The text is authored by Dr. , who is a Professor of Intercultural Communication, the Head of the Master’s Program in Communication Management at Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School, and the Executive Director of the European Masters in Intercultural Communication (EMICC) teaching and research network.