Intercultural education has been central to the field of European youth work since at least the 1960s, and arguably it has been one of its most formative influences and projects. Currently the field of intercultural education is subject to intense debate concerning its relevance to young people in diverse, multicultural environments. This article examines some of the ways in which intercultural learning has become inflated and over-burdened, and relates this to a general culturalisation of political education and the problematics of ‘culture’ as an over-determining concept. The argument is developed theoretically and through a discussion of research stemming from intercultural education training courses. In conclusion the article suggests some ways in which intercultural education can be re-politicised and reinvented.