Paderborn University stands for living internationality and intercultural exchange – and the buddy programme for international students has been making a decisive contribution to this for 25 years. More than 200 exchange students, sponsors, alumni and active members of the programme came together today to celebrate the anniversary. As part of the buddy programme of the International Office and the student initiative "Eurobiz", Paderborn University students have been helping exchange students to arrive at the university and settle into the city for a quarter of a century. The anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to honour joint successes and to look both back and forward.
Valuable memories and lasting experiences
"Today we are not only celebrating 25 years of the buddy programme, but also 25 years of living values such as openness, diversity and international cooperation at our university," said Simone Probst, Vice-President for Finances and Human Resources, together with Prof. Dr. Heike Trautmann, Vice-President for International Relations, welcoming the guests. "The buddy programme symbolises how important personal encounters and cultural exchange are for a strong community," said Probst. "We would like to thank everyone who has supported this programme over the years and filled it with life – whether as sponsors, exchange students or providing support in the background. You are all proof that internationality at our university is not just a principle, but a living reality," added Prof. Trautmann.
Among the invited guests were those involved from the very beginning. In her speech, Angelika Brebeck, retired Deputy Head of the International Office, looked back on how she launched the buddy programme 25 years ago. Buddies who were involved right from the start also looked back on the lasting impact their participation had on them. The International Office and the student initiative "Eurobiz", which celebrated its 35th anniversary last year, underlined the fact that the buddy programme is one of the oldest support services for international students in Germany. The central element is the equal partnership between university staff and students in the organisation. Those present took the opportunity to also celebrate Europe Day, which is celebrated annually in Europe on 9 May and this year was marked by the motto "75 years of unity and cooperation". It commemorates the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, which heralded a new era of peace, integration and international cooperation in Europe. Musical accompaniment was provided by the intercultural choir "Klangkult".
About the Paderborn University buddy programme
The buddy programme brings together international exchange students from partner universities and Paderborn students. Support with initial visits to the authorities, information and advice make it easier to get started at the university and settle into life in the city. The International Office and the student initiative "Eurobiz" work hand in hand as part of the buddy programme. Intercultural exchange and competence building are strengthened in the long term.
This text was translated automatically.
