Reflections on the Unique Academic Experience at Bergische Uni-Wuppertal

   Embarking on a personal journey to Germany, I was often told in my small community, where I have lived for almost thirty years, “If you want to chill out and find the right way of living, where you can build your personality academically and professionally, go to Germany.”

It reflects a reasonable perception people rely on to describe what they think about Germany. I am still determining precisely how this judgment was created in my rural town, mainly where only a few individuals have visited or experienced Germany. This perception is likely attributable to the personal experiences some of them have had there and brought back to their place of origin later on, experiences that we can all relate to and empathize with, as well as the positive contribution played by the media.

I, however, can attest to this statement. In Germany, you can find whatever you wish!

My passion grew out of two academic experiences I had in Germany. First, a one-week trip in 2014 sponsored by Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, and second, a conference in 2015 that took place in Frankfurt, hosted by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. Both experiences inspired me to pursue more learning opportunities in the country. My efforts came to fruition when I participated in a scholarship program of NRW at Bergische University of Wuppertal during the winter semester of 2016. Through this more extended experience, the previous stereotypical perception of the German academic community faded away. Irrespective of whether the language is a barrier, it doesn’t withhold the other positive aspects.

I’m not yet proficient in German. However, for non-German speakers, the resources provided by the academic community inevitably incorporate students and encourage them to find their place. Even if faced with an unclear environment because of a language barrier, the international scholarly community the university creates helps students acclimate as much as possible, allowing students to take advantage of the knowledge and experience of other scholars.

A nice sight was taken from my office at the campus

In addition to these common stereotypes, another exists within outside communities regarding the environment in general. For example, I opened a panel discussion on several occasions concerning the history of the 20th century, highlighting WW II. The typical summative statement is often similar to, “It’s hard to imagine that Germany could get rid of the ramifications of WW II; even if it could do so, it would go on plagued with trauma.”

Undoubtedly, such a statement comes from those who have barely visited Germany. It’s indeed used anecdotally as the base of their stereotypical knowledge. However, educational conduits aimed at bridging understanding represent an antithesis to the abovementioned perception. Therefore, a modest initiative such as NRW’s scholarship program pushes scholars to upgrade academically and break down misconceptions through the knowledge they earn there.

As someone who eagerly believes that cultural exchange bridges the unbridgeable, I can firmly state that my experience at the Bergische University of Wuppertal went beyond my expectations.

I’m not a chemist busy with chemical elements or a physicist busy with Newton’s theories of gravity; specialties might impose on scholars an academic lifestyle confined to laboratories, often cut off from society. I’m, however, a researcher whose field of interest necessitates exploring not only the host institution itself but society, culture, government and its performance, history, domestic and foreign policy, and contemporary issues that the entire nation grapples with. This research has helped me determine what Germany means for my country and me. It refers to the gap I’m striving to fill through this understanding of many aspects of German affairs, such as political architecture that the German Political Foundations present in my country. These foundations are politically affiliated with the key political parties in parliament (Bundestag), which represent my research focus.   

This exemplifies how I took advantage of my stay in Wuppertal. I focused on what answered the questions I had prepared before I arrived, many of which my host professor answered.

In the academic sphere, I touched on how critical thinking is a feasible rule for problem-solving and reasoning, how it’s applied in tackling dilemmas that occur under stressful situations, and the cognitive skills necessary in this challenging modern technological era. In this regard, my host professor was generous, allocating time not only for his work in the office but for providing me with new knowledge through books and publications, in addition to the time he spent discussing different contemporary matters Germany deals with generally. He is a pundit and analytically captures realistic case studies. I could practically experience the critical thinking process, a much-needed skill in our educational institutions. Additionally, he is an intellectual whose work illuminated the reality of Marx’s theories and the intellectual confrontation with capitalism through his published studies and in a debate organized by intellectuals at a conference held to discuss the crisis of capitalism. Our discussion sessions also provided me with valuable insights for my academic endeavors.  

My host prof. Heinz Sunker inside a conference hall gives a speech at Hegel House in Wuppertal. It revolved around the crisis of capitalism. U.S. philosopher Nancy Fraser was a guest speaker

The knowledge I gained there has pushed me further into theoretical analysis. I’m currently trying to create a community of open-minded researchers to continue developing our understanding and modernizing the task of fact-finding and experience exchange so that we can later introduce outcomes to the global academic community. Thus, my host professor encouraged me to develop this community, concluding the last discussion by saying, “Read… read… read!”

With my host professor and his partner Prof. Jo Moran

Regarding the university as a system, the applied approach of bringing international students is admirable, which is why Wuppertal University is an example of a cozy and open-minded academic environment where I can find the image of the world in front of me. As a scholar who is fond of cultural exchange, I benefited significantly from the regular sessions designed for this goal and organized by the International Student Team (IST). I enrolled in an intensive German course, which was an excellent chance to meet international students and German nationals at the cultural forum. I experienced multiculturalism, and I saw my image in the mirror of others. If you are qualified and open-minded to other cultures, this reality will incontrovertibly make you better off with far-sighted goals.

1. The Center for Graduate Studies is an excellent example of recruiting Ph.D. researchers or candidates who have already begun their projects overseas. It is organized by a team of specialists who can offer mentorship during different phases of their research projects, including the possibility of providing full-paid scholarships in cooperation with DAAD to gain more experience and share theirs. Therefore, researchers can find a welcoming academic realm and what makes their thoughts applicable to their educational efforts due to the nature of compatibility, pluralism, interaction, and acceptance, as well as the availability of resources at libraries or local institutions depending on your need
2. In the end, an enormous amount of knowledge is expected to be earned through academic hospitality and attractiveness, which push students to pursue more opportunities that require additional efforts and encourage the candidate to keep educating himself. If language is a barrier, the strong motivation to achieve the desired goals will burden it.

Of course, this diversity of the international community at the university helps to overcome whatever the barriers are. German course team.

In the public sphere and society, I touched upon how Germans cherish their language, culture, and heritage; you only find signs written in German, even in public places. Germans take pride in documenting any important event, putting up amazingly sculpted statues and murals where ideas are captured with artistic insinuations. Inscriptions refer to historical events or people who left remarkable accomplishments culturally, academically, politically, and economically throughout history.

 This sculpture placed on pedestal keeps the reminiscence of this historical figure vivid within his society

I liked the artistic style at public places in Germany especially the meaningful insinuations it reflects 

My experience included several exploratory field tours, including one conducted at the parliament headquarters of NRW in Dusseldorf to learn about the decision-making process, political deliberations, caucuses, parties, and other related issues. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to conduct a tour to explore the high court and the situation of people with disabilities at rehabilitation centers, and it would have been interesting to learn how this category is treated.

Inside the auditorium of political debate. Every political party has special hall devoted to discussion

Outside the parliamentarian headquarter (NRW)

I can say that my experience during my stay at both the university and in local society wasn’t aimless and fruitless, given that I acquired several promising leads that will be helpful for building on in my future academic career. In addition to these accomplishments, I assert that we could build up a renaissance with perseverance and persistence. This is the lesson I learned from the Germans, whose nation was rebuilt after being ruined.

To do so accordingly, education is the savior and the bridge we should be courageous enough to climb. I hope there will be another chance to pursue my higher education at this university or another in the foreseeable future.