Students for Exchange

From 06.05. - 14.05.2017   eleven students and one lecturer from the Ukrainian University of Hlukhiv wereguests at our university. The exchange took place under the title "Shaping inclusion together"  During the project week, the focus was on practical and theoretical exchange on inclusion-related topics. The exchange was organized by three curative education/inclusion studies students as part of their project studies.

The students took part in various courses together with German students. Topics were worked on together in small groups in English and partly in Russian. One afternoon, the Ukrainian students gave a public presentation on the structure and content of their university or faculty. This was followed by a discussion on what an inclusive and barrier-free university should look like and what needs to be done to achieve this. The day was concluded with a barbecue and games on the university campus in Görlitz.

In addition, there were visits to various institutions, such as the Neissegrundschule and a residential group for people with intellectual disabilities. One highlight was a workshop by autistic artist Gee Vero entitled "The Art of Inclusion" in Leipzig, which was a lot of fun for everyone involved.

The students also enjoyed a guided tour of the city of Görlitz, while in Dresden the delegation visited the Hygiene Museum. Here they were able to follow in the footsteps of human research and talk about the ethical issues that still exist today. A guided tour of Dresden and the associated sightseeing were met with great enthusiasm.

During joint leisure activities, such as a guided tour of the Rabryka socio-cultural center or participation in the International Coffee Hour at the Maus student club, Ukrainian and German students were able to engage in informal exchanges. Numerous contacts and friendships were made.

As the exchange between students from Hlukhiv University and Görlitz University of Applied Sciences was taking place for the second time, existing structures and connections could be further expanded. Everyone involved can look back on an eventful and impressive time and is looking forward to the return exchange. The return exchange to the eastern Ukrainian city of Hlukhiv will take place from 16.09.-24.09.2017. Anyone interested can contact the project group at students-for-exchange(at)hszg.de . We look forward to seeing you!

Our project was financed and supported by funding from the Foundation evz (Remembrance, Responsibility and Future) as part of the "MEET UP! German-Ukrainian Youth Encounters" program, the Federal Foreign Office, the Robert Bosch Stiftung and the DAAD's Eastern Partnerships Program.