Where diversity becomes visible
The first International Day at the HSZG visibly brings people, perspectives and countries of origin together.
On June 4, 2025, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences hosted its first-ever International Day —a day filled with encounters, stories, and a tangible sense of internationalism. This event was launched at the initiative of the Vice President for Research, Transfer, and International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, to highlight and bring to life the diversity at HSZG.
Internationality does not begin in strategy papers; rather, it begins in our hearts and on our campuses through genuine interaction. For me, it means making diversity visible, placing equal opportunity at the center, strengthening intercultural competencies, and bringing people from all over the world into the heart of our university. Each and every one of us can contribute to shaping an open and connected university community. International Day was a first step toward making this a reality at HSZG. I thank everyone who brought it to life—and I hope that we will continue to courageously walk this path together.
”A Large World Map—A Globally-Minded University
Over 50 nations are represented at our university—among preparatory program students, undergraduate students, and staff. This diversity was impressively showcased on campus. A large world map displayed the countries of origin of the university community. Throughout the day, it was filled with photos from an instant camera: people showed where they were from—and in doing so, brought the international character of the HSZG to life in a very personal way.
Another highlight was the wheel of fortune featuring questions about studying, language, culture, and internationalism—for guessing, laughing, or simply getting a conversation going. Anyone who wanted to could send greetings to the world from the “With love from HSZG” postcard station or leave greetings in various languages on the large “Say hello in your language” board—a visible sign of openness and active multilingualism.
A particular eye-catcher that contributed to the lively atmosphere was the “Faces of Hope” exhibition by Jeremy Cope. Impressive portraits were displayed along the campus axis. In “Faces of Hope,” the photographer portrayed young international students at HSZG—capturing moments that speak of courage, hope, and new beginnings.
Diversity Through Collaboration
The event’s international character was also evident in the music: Hakimin, a Malaysian student from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, enriched the program with a guest DJ set and helped create a lively atmosphere on campus.
The International Day program was complemented by the workshop “Diversity Together,” which was specifically aimed at university staff. The event was led by Naomi Lwanyaga. The focus was on a sensitive and practical approach to cultural diversity in everyday university life, as well as collegial exchange.
“What was good was the trusting and respectful atmosphere among the participants, because that’s how I was best able to learn that everyone has experienced discrimination at some point and that it’s a problem that affects us all—but one that we can also solve together,” said Julia Ochmann.
When people approach one another with curiosity, discover other cultures and languages, play sports together, or exchange ideas during a workshop—a genuine sense of belonging emerges. Days like these bring to life just how vibrant community can be at HSZG—and inspire us to seek more of it in our everyday lives.
The International Day was embedded in the university sports and staff festival - together, the three formats formed a day on which diversity, movement, encounters and community were experienced in a special way.
A big thank you goes to everyone who organized, prepared and helped to shape this day - at the stands, behind the scenes, in discussions and in the interaction on site.
1st floor
2nd upper floor