Bauhaus-Universität Weimar: International

»Weimar has so much to offer students not only in academics but in culture and personal growth as well«, Nestler continued.

Focus: Strategic Internationalisation

During their visit the guests were able to learn about the impressively current topics and core activities covered by the faculties and departments. They were also able to have intensive exchanges with the staff and students. The main focus was placed on the continuing internationalisation of higher education and the ever increasing financial pressure.

The administrators all hold internationally-oriented, senior positions at their home universities – in this respect it was natural to place the focus of their visit on this topic. The two-and-a-half day visit began with an exchange between the guests and Dr. Christian Kästner and Marina Glaser. They explained the internationalisation strategy of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and reported about the functions of this small, internationally well-established university.

»The challenges that we face in regard to internationalisation at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar are very similar to those that our peers face in the USA. Therefore we arranged for our guests to have the opportunity to compare notes with individuals from various divisions and to discuss genuine problems and open questions regarding international mobility as well as legal and intercultural issues«, emphasizes Dr. Christian Kästner, Head of the International Office.

Intensive dialogue with members of the university

The American university experts received an impressive reception from President (Rector) Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karl Beucke in the Gropius Room. There the American guests had the opportunity to talk to Prof. Beucke about current developments and trends at the two universities. Prof. Beucke himself lived in the USA for many years – multiple student, teaching and research exchanges took him to various universities such as UC Berkeley and UC San Diego.

On the second day, the guests visited the campus and the Computer Science and Media Labs and exchanged ideas with Vice-President (Prorector) Prof. Jutta Emes and Susanne Wille, from the International Office, as part of the forum »What is expected of students in Germany: The ideal of the proactive, self-reliant and motivated individual«.

»This was a highly invigorating experience. The concept of »Bauhaus« was strikingly unique and provided a new perspective on the higher education culture«, summarizes Dr. Richard Kitson-Walters, Director of International Affairs at Morgan State University in Baltimore.

In addition to the discussions at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, the participants also had the opportunity to experience the cultural and touristic side of Weimar. The requisite trip to the Onion Market on Sunday was on their agenda, as well as a tour of the Belvedere Palace and a visit to the brewery in the basement of the Felsenkeller restaurant. A closer cooperation in regard to student exchanges and joint conference contributions is planned for the future. The grantees have also already announced that they intend to return to Weimar for a second visit.

Overview of the participants:

Dr. Yamonte Cooper, Division of Counseling and Student Services Counselor El Camino College Torrance, CA

Ms. Janet Haak Brandau, College of Arts, Media, and Communication/ Study Abroad Executive Director Minnesota State University Moorhead, MN

Dr. Richard Kitson-Walters, International Affairs/Center for Global Studies and International Education, Director Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

Ms. Lauren Nestler, Education Abroad Program Student Advisor Univ. of California System Goleta, CA

Dr. Kathleen Sparaco, Center for International Programs and Services, Director Suffolk University, Boston, MA

About the Fulbright Commission
The Fulbright Commission annually funds visits to Germany for US Americans who hold leadership positions as university administrators so that they may attend informational seminars. The purpose of the programme is to foster mutual understanding between academic worlds, support network creation, intensify transatlantic relationships and cultural exchange. Selection criteria for the participants includes a proposal of how they plan to apply the knowledge gained here in Germany at their home institution. In addition to the five administrators here in Weimar, three other groups visited universities in Mannheim, Munich and Würzburg.

For further information see:
http://www.fulbright.de