6th International Week starts: HSBI welcomes more than 100 guests from 32 countries

Bielefeld (hsbi). Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI) is once again opening its doors for a week full of cultural diversity and academic exchange: for the sixth time, numerous lecturers and researchers from all over the world will be attending the International Week from 13 to 17 May. Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schäfermeier, Vice President International Affairs and Digitalisation at HSBI, and Judith Peltz, Head of the International Office, welcomed the international guests to the ceremonial opening. In his welcome speech, Prof. Dr. Schäfermeier emphasised: “At HSBI, we firmly believe in the power of international collaboration and exchange and we are proud to have established partnerships with institutions from all over the world. Your presence gives all members of HSBI the opportunity to experience the world at home and perhaps find their way abroad themselves.”

The opening not only gave a taste of the varied programme with more than 80 events, but also highlighted HSBI’s broad international profile: from Albania to Jordan to the USA, more than 100 guests from 32 countries accepted the invitation of the university and are enriching the faculties and campuses with international and intercultural courses, lectures, workshops and activities.

International insight into highly relevant topics

The programme of this year’s International Week is highly relevant: in all areas of research, topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change are addressed. In one workshop, students will be able to recreate photographs with the help of AI. In an interactive lecture, they will discuss how DNA-based biotechnology can be used to protect endangered animal species and biodiversity. Another lecture, in turn, will provide insights into the role of health workers in coping with the climate crisis in patient care.

The future of the labour market will also be discussed: companies and institutions are already experiencing massive difficulties in finding sufficiently qualified specialists. On 17 May, the Bielefeld International Conference on Applied Business (BiCAB) will address the problem of skilled worker shortages and examine approaches and solutions from universities, companies and policymakers.

Fostering intercultural exchange and strengthening international relations

In addition to the scientific input, networking plays a major role: At international tables in the university building’s main hallway, anyone who is interested will be able to go on a trip around the world. Students from HSBI’s partner universities will present their home countries and offer culinary specialities. In addition, the International Office will provide advice on stays abroad and organise a networking café.

More than 80 courses, workshops, lectures and activities

The annual International Week, organised by Katharina Kontowski and Maximilian Köster from HSBI’s International Office, offers a platform for intercultural and international exchange. This year, the experts offer an insight into their teaching and research during more than 80 programme items, for examples lectures on the use of artificial intelligence to promote children’s creativity or on the new academic discipline of “Sakeology,” the science of Japanese sake.  

What’s special about this is that the guests’ sessions take place as part of their HSBI colleagues’ regular courses, making them an integral part of the seminar and lecture plans and offering the students opportunities to benefit from the international teaching and research perspectives directly. (abo)