Whether it’s on student council or tutoring first-semester students and Bauhaus Summer School attendees, Betül Peker is actively involved in integrating international students and engaging in intercultural exchange. This includes her work as an International Scout for Studierendenwerk and her organisation of »Culture Talks«. This work earned her the a DAAD Prize nomination by Prof. Ursula Damm, Professor of Media Environments in the Faculty of Art and Design, and Kristiina Oelsner, employee in the International Office.

Betül Peker first experienced the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar during an exchange semester, and she was impressed by the numerous opportunities offered by the University. This included the University’s workshops, the exciting annual summaery phase, and the support she was given by teaching staff.

»Unfortunately, my ERASMUS semester took place when the after effects of the pandemic meant that certain restrictions were still in place. I didn’t feel like my time at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar was enough.« Peker returned to Weimar where she began a Master’s degree in the Faculty of Art and Design. »The programme’s interdisciplinary approach was the perfect way for me to incorporate my architectural skills into my artistic studies«, she says, explaining her return to the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

She describes studying in Germany as an incredible opportunity, but not without its challenges, especially at the beginning. At first, it was difficult to adapt to a new university system and learn a new language. In addition to writing exams in a foreign language, adjusting to a completely new environment, and establishing a new circle of friends, the biggest challenge was how far away she was from her family and friends back home.

However, the city and the University are places where she feels that international students can integrate easily: »Weimar is a relatively small town with students from many different cultural backgrounds, which means you often bump into familiar faces on the street. This is something I experience all the time. The number of events that are organised for international students also provide an advantage in this respect.«

Actively taking on responsibilities both within and outside the university helped Peker establish new connections and perspectives and provided her with valuable intercultural experience. This involvement also helped her settle in and find her place in Weimar: »To know that as a student I have a voice at the University, that I can contribute to development and change—not only by attending classes, but by actively participating in student life— was something that strengthened my sense of belonging in Weimar.«

After graduating, Peker hopes to dedicate her professional life to the interplay between art and architecture and would like to work in an architecture and design studio later on, which would give her the opportunity to apply and expand upon her skills in both fields.

She encourages other students at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar to recognise the University’s interdisciplinarity and to participate in events and exhibitions outside their own programmes in order to continue to broaden their own perspectives.

About the DAAD Prize

The DAAD Prize is awarded to international students and doctoral candidates by the International Office as part of the »STIBET I« funding programme and winners receive a prize of 1,000 euros. Candidates are selected based on nominations by lecturers and employees at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

For further information, please contact Simone Schwark, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar International Office, by phone at +49 (0) 36 36 43/58 23 63 or by e-mail at service-international[at]uni-weimar.de.