Always the good host, the University of Bremen takes care that visitors from all over the world are well looked after. In recognition of its efforts in this respect, the Bremen alma mater has been awarded the enviable title “International University 2012” by the German Academic Exchange Office (DAAD) and the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft. The award comes with a prize of 50,000 euros. It is the only German award for internationalization granted to a whole institution and is in recognition of outstanding strategies in support of international students. The University of Bremen received the award for 2012 because its internationalization efforts are supported throughout the institution, its guiding principle being “Campus of Diversity”.
The jury was especially impressed by the innovative ideas implemented to ensure that international students achieve their academic goals. Here, Bremen stands out on several scores: The “kompass project”, for example, involves student mentors who help international students with their studies and organize excursions and concourses. In addition to this, there are offers of intercultural training for students and University employees. The jury was especially impressed by concrete projects like the ‘International Day’, which underscores the University’s professional and participatory approach to networking with its international guests.
“In particular it is our ‘Bremen spirit’—the emphasis on participation as the prerequisite for integration—and our specific combination of internationality and interculturality that the jury really appreciates“, says Yasemin Karaka?o?lu, the University of Bremen’s Vice Rector for International and Intercultural Affairs. She traveled to Berlin to receive the award, together with students involved in the kompass project, Dr.Annette Lang and Dr.Jutta Paal from the International Office. The prize money will be used to fund an evaluation and accompanying research on the successful kompass-forum project.
For further information, please contact:
University of Bremen
Vice Rector for Intercultural and International Affairs
Prof.Yasemin Karaka?o?lu
Phone: +49 421 218-60040
email: kon3protect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
Dr. Annette Lang
Phone: +49 421 218-60361
email: langprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
