Cycling course for international students
Bremeners may not have imbibed knowledge of riding a bike along with their mother's milk, but time wise, this skill usually comes pretty soon afterwards. It’s quite different for many international students, who often come from countries where, for various reasons, there is no culture of cycling. In September, some of our international students were able to learn how they, too, can be mobile on two wheels. The course was organised by the University of Bremen’s International Office together with Gesundheitstreffpunkt West.
The advertising in social networks was peppy, with appeals like “Unleash Your Inner Cyclist with Confidence!” It was to be a course exclusively for women – and in English to keep the barriers to participation as low as possible. Of the ten women who signed up, seven ended up participating and learning what most people here take for granted. After all, it's actually quite easy once you get the hang of it. But how do you pedal, accelerate and keep your balance all at the same time? And harder still, how can you overcome the fear and start to trust that you won't tip over on this damn bike, but actually ride it? The training ground was the schoolyard of a primary school in Gröpelingen, bikes and scooters were provided and the participants had to pay 20 euros. What started as a tremulous encounter with a new apparatus ended after five afternoons with brisk rides around the school grounds and over narrow seesaws. The most important goal was achieved: gaining confidence in their own stability and ability.
"For us, this is something significant we can offer to further the skills and social integration of international students," says Jutta Paal, head of the kompass programme at the International Office. "With their new mobility, the young women have more opportunities to take part in student life and do other things in Bremen like take on jobs. And in any case, it’s environmentally conscious."
The project was financed by the University of Bremen's study accounts, which are special funds from semester fees that are used to improve the study situation of selected student groups. Following the cycling course’s successful start, the next round is due to continue in the spring.