What makes the University of Bremen particularly inviting for international students?

Marejke Baethge: International students come to the University of Bremen primarily because of the high quality of its degree programs. Additional benefits are the university’s ideal size; the open, safe, and manageable campus; the university’s European connectedness through YUFE; and the wide range of cultural and creative programs the university offers. The “Bremen Spirit” also attracts international students. The University of Bremen exhibits an institutional understanding of togetherness, cooperation, and creativity that creates a welcoming, non-elitist atmosphere.

What role does the International Office have in making students from all over the world feel at home here?

Jutta Paal: The International Office is very committed to providing services that help students to establish a new network and feel at home in Bremen. The “kompass international” network plans a wide variety of activities with a team consisting of international and German students. These include events such as culture nights, cooking events, city tours, or the new urban gardening project. The Study Buddy program and SeniorCitizens network give students opportunities for personal contact with locals, and are made possible through collaborations with the Academy for Continuing Education and Senior Studies.

Can you tell us about a particularly inspiring encounter or experience you had as part of your work?

Jutta Paal: The new urban gardening project behind the SFG building brings together people from a wide range of groups in an active network to create new environments for communication at the university. This project includes students from various degree programs, the AStA Students’ Union, senior citizens, university lecturers, woodworking apprentices, as well as the university’s gardening team.

What alliances and partnerships does the University of Bremen have with international institutions to promote student exchange?

Marejke Baethge: The University of Bremen maintains over 400 active cooperation agreements with international partners, most of which include opportunities for student exchange. About three quarters of the cooperation agreements are partnerships within Europe, one quarter are partnerships in non-European countries. We work closely with the DAAD and other funding bodies, which support us with central information on student mobility and provide national and European funding for these exchanges. Our YUFE membership also provides beneficial structures for international exchange.

Can you summarize what you personally associate with the slogan ‘Come as you are?’

Marejke Baethge: I associate this with a positive openness and a commitment to diversity that reflects the heterogeneity of our university. For me personally, it also includes an invitation to reflect on the individuality that each of us brings with us and how to use this for the university’s benefit.

Studying at the University of Bremen

You can still apply to study at the University of Bremen until July 15. More information can be found on the “Come as you are” page.