Vice-President Prof. Dr. Ulrike Salat visited Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay on behalf of Furtwangen University. The aim of establishing this network is to attract more international students, including those from South America, to HFU. Images: HFU
Internationalisation strategy at Furtwangen University focuses on South America
Prof. Dr. Ulrike Salat, Vice President for Partnerships and Society at Furtwangen University (HFU), spent several weeks traveling through South America at the end of last year. We asked her why partnerships with this continent in particular are so exciting for HFU.
Professor Salat, what was the purpose of your trip to South America?
The main goal of the trip was to raise awareness of Furtwangen University in South America and to expand our contacts with international schools, especially German and British schools. We're not only interested in attracting more international students overall, but above all in strengthening diversity on our campus. We want to attract students from very different countries and cultures so that we can learn from each other.
Why is HFU focusing on South America in particular?
Until now, most of our international students have come from south-east Asia, India, China and Pakistan. Students from South America, on the other hand, are hardly represented. Yet cultural diversity can enrich us enormously. That's why we specifically visited schools in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay to promote studying at HFU and build long-term networks.
Which schools did you visit and how were you received there?
I visited a total of twelve schools, including eight German and four British schools. I received a very warm welcome everywhere I went. I was particularly impressed by the great interest shown by school administrators and guidance counsellors in cooperating with our university. I was able to present HFU to many graduating classes and answer numerous questions.
What makes HFU particularly attractive to international applicants?
We currently have a real advantage thanks to the new university-specific admission system and our pilot project for alternative university entrance qualifications: students with certain qualifications, such as the IB diploma or national qualifications such as the Bachillerato, can study directly at HFU via a so-called university-specific admission system. We are specifically promoting these opportunities in South America.
What obstacles do South American students face when studying in Germany?
After graduating from school, many young people decide to study in the US, the UK or Spain, often because of the language or because these countries are closer. In addition, the admission requirements at German universities often seem complicated. We want to help by providing targeted information and advice, thereby facilitating access.
Have there already been concrete results or plans for the next steps after your trip?
Yes, we have been invited to school fairs and are planning joint information events and promotional videos for interested students. The establishment of a stable network with schools is in full swing. We would like to intensify contact and establish a constant number of South American students at HFU in the long term.
How do students and the university benefit from greater international diversity?
Our diversity is our greatest asset. An international community promotes intercultural exchange, new perspectives and innovative ideas. Everyone benefits from this — both the students, who can develop in an open environment, and the university, which becomes more attractive and sustainable.
What was the biggest challenge of your trip?
On the one hand, it was wonderful to swap the beginning of the German winter for the Argentine spring. On the other hand, the time difference was very challenging – many of the meetings at HFU that I attended from South America took place in the middle of the night for me…
And your personal highlight?
I was particularly impressed by the openness and curiosity of the young people, but also by the great commitment of the school administrators and study advisors. And there were also many humourous moments – not least when I discovered stickers from the “The Länd” campaign from Baden-Württemberg even on the obelisk in Buenos Aires.
