Quick and no red tape – this is how the Xenos association has been helping international students in need for over 30 years. The good work is being continued by three women members of the University of Bremen who now form the management committee from the University of Bremen; namely, the Vice-Rectress for International and Intercultural Affairs, Yasemin Karaka?o?lu, the leader of the International Office, Dr. Annette Lang, and Sigrid Dauks, director of the University Archives.
“Large numbers of international students come from all over the world to take up studies here in Bremen”, says Yasemin Karaka?o?lu, chairwoman of the Xenox association. As a rule, their families live in expectation that these students will be able to finish their studies not only successfully, but also as quickly as possible, for very often the costs of living for international students are considerably higher than in their country of origin. In many cases financial support becomes extremely difficult and the students have to find ways to finance their studies on their own.
Fast unbureaucratic help
But what happens when suddenly something goes wrong, the money from home isn’t forthcoming or a scholarship remains unpaid? “That’s when the Xenos association comes in”, says Karaka?o?lu. In most cases the association is able quickly and unbureaucratically to process applications and help with a few hundred euros. In some exceptional cases the funding can be extended for up to three months. The money comes from donations and membership fees.
Money problems due to illness or civil war
Applications for financial assistance can be submitted by students of the University of Bremen, the Bremen University of Art, and the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. The Bremen University of Applied Sciences has its own funding institution. An example of how Xenos can help: shortly before she was due sit for her final examinations a female Iranian student got into financial difficulties when her source of funding dried up following a death in her family. “There are many other cases; for instance when a student falls sick or the political situation at home suddenly changes”, explains Annette Lang. For example, when government grants are stopped in the wake of civil war – like in Syria – the students have a real problem and no one else to turn to.
Xenos was founded by members of the University
How did Xenos come into being? No better person to ask about the history of the association than Sigrid Dauks, director of the University Archives. “It was founded 30 years ago at the University of Bremen following the termination of a support program for international students financed by the Bremen Senate”, she says. The founder members had already been active collecting money and arranging godfathering for international students in need prior to this. Since 1984 the organization and fund raising has been left mainly to members of the University working on a voluntary basis. Over the past eight years Dr. Sabine Stuth, a judge at the Bremen Social Court, has held the reins, assisted by some long serving members of the University.
21st May: “International Day” at the University of Bremen with Xenos
The new committee intends to step up the association's PR and communication activities in a drive to win new members. “We currently have about 40 members”, says chairwoman Yasemin Karaka?o?lu. Xenos will therefore be very present at the University of Bremen’s upcoming “International Day” on 21 May 2014. A homepage is also in the pipeline and a new flyer. In recognition of the good work carried out by Xenos the Sparkasse Bremen has joined the many members of the University who contribute to the finances by making a regular donation of funds. The bank recently handed over a check for 1,250 euros. Private enterprises like Haufe-Lexware have also supported the association.
You too can help Xenos help an international student by making a donation:
Spendenkonto 181 8755
Sparkasse Bremen
BLZ 290 501 01
IBAN: DE53 2905 0101 0010 8187 55
For more information please contact:
University of Bremen
International Office
Jens Kemper
Phone: +49-421-218-60365
email: jkemperprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
