“Virtual International Exchange and Learning (VIEL) Kenya-Ireland-Germany” is part of the Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for University Students – BWS plus, a programme of the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung. The project runs from October 2021 until September 2024 and is financed with an amount of 145.000€.
Hybrid student exchange already successful in 4th round
The VIEL project, initiated by Prof. Sissi Closs from Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) in cooperation with Pwani University (PU) in Kenya and the University of Limerick (UL) in Ireland, started in October 2021 and is currently in its 4th round. The project aims to create a cultural and professional exchange for students from the three universities in a future-oriented, virtual setting. Two students from each university can participate in an exchange round every semester.
In addition to the professional exchange in the form of workshops with various topics from the field of technical communication and weekly private meetings of the students via Zoom, a short-term stay at one of the participating universities is scheduled each semester.
Joint stay at the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences
After spending the previous short term stays at Pwani University in Kenya and the University of Limerick in Ireland, it was now our turn to welcome the guests to Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences.
The VIEL students as well as the project team from Kenya, Ireland and Germany spent an adventurous time in Germany from April 29 to May 06, 2023. On Sunday (April 30, 2023), the program included exploring the city of Karlsruhe with a visit to the ZKM and the castle. A traditional hike through the vineyards around Landau followed by a visit to the May Market was organized on May 1 to get to know the traditions and cultures of the region.
A Visit to the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung in Stuttgart
One of the highlights of the stay was the visit to the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung in Stuttgart. The VIEL students and the project team were delighted with the invitation from the Baden-Württemberg Foundation and gladly accepted. On Wednesday, 03 May 2023, everyone set off together towards Stuttgart. After a warm welcome and introduction, Annegret Trettin introduced the foundation and the Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for students and BWS plus. This was followed by a short presentation by Prof. Sissi Closs, Belinda Oechsler and Edith Miano about the cooperation of Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences with the University of Limerick and Pwani University and the VIEL project.
In the presentation, it became clear how important international student exchanges are and how much students' lives can be influenced by them. In recent years, a large network has already been formed and valuable experience has been gained, from which sustainable benefits can also be gained in the future.
A break with stimulating conversations and creative exchanges while enjoying a delicious lunch concluded the inspiring meeting.
After a short visit to Stuttgart city centre, the group travelled back to Karlsruhe. There, a lively meeting with former and current scholarship holders of our BWS plus projects took place in the evening, which impressively showed how large and lively the network has become.
EAC at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences
On 05 May 2023, the European Academic Colloquium (EAC), organized by the Gesellschaft für Technische Kommunikation- tekom - took place at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. A perfect opportunity for the guests to exchange scientific contents in the field of technical communication with the participants from different European countries. In this context, Prof. Yakobo Mutiti and Dr. Elizabeth Munyaya (PU) presented the cooperation and reported on the launch of the first master's program Communication and Media in Kenya at Pwani University in Kilifi.
"The virtual exchange brought out the importance of understanding our different cultures. I learned a lot from the other VIEL students and in turn showed them what it means to be a Kenyan. The whole project and stay in Germany was quite an overwhelming and unforgettable experience for me," Donald Wachira, VIEL student from Kenya, summarizes.
In September 2023, the fifth round of the VIEL project will start, giving six new students the opportunity to participate in the successful virtual exchange program. More information is available on Instagram or at: http://karlifi.org/
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Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM
The Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM supports the international exchange of students and vocationally qualified people. Since 2001, it has enabled more than 28,000 young people from Baden-Württemberg to gain experience abroad and allowed scholarship holders from other countries to visit Baden-Württemberg. Approximately 1,500 young people receive a Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM each year.
Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for University Students – BWS plus
With the Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for University Students – BWS plus, the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung supports innovative joint projects between universities from Baden-Württemberg and their international partners. The programme is endowed with approximately 1.2 million euros annually. Since 2011, more than 110 BWS plus projects have been supported at universities in Baden-Württemberg.
The Baden-Württemberg Stiftung
advocates a vital Baden-Württemberg with a high quality of life for all its residents. It helps pave the way for advanced technological progress, high quality education, and a responsible relationship with fellow human beings. The Baden-Württemberg Stiftung is one of the major foundations in Germany. It is the only foundation which exclusively and above party lines invests in the future of the state of Baden-Württemberg – and thus in the future of its citizens.