Reflections on the German Academic Experience at Bergische Uni-Wuppertal

   In the small community where I have been living for almost three decades, it is expressly said, “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 seemingly reflects a good perception that people rely on to describe what they think about Germany. I have no idea precisely how this judgment was created in my rural town, particularly one where only a few individuals have visited or experienced Germany. I assume that this perception is attributable to experiences some of them have had there and brought back to their place of origin later on, as well as the positive contribution played by the media.

The main campus

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, sponsored by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. Both experiences inspired me to pursue more learning opportunities in the country. My efforts came to fruition when I took part in a scholarship program of NRW at Bergische University of Wuppertal during winter semester in 2016. Through this longer experience, the previous stereotypical perception towards the German academic community faded away, irrespective if the language is a barrier, it doesn’t withhold the other positive aspects.

In fact, I’m not yet a 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 academic community the university creates helps students acclimate as much as possible, allowing students to take advantages 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 towards the environment in general. For example, I opened a panel discussion on several occasions concerning the history of the 20^th 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 could do so, it will 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 aforementioned perception. Therefore, a modest initiative such as NRW’s scholarship program pushes scholars to upgrade academically and break down misconception through the knowledge they earn there.

As an eager 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 actually 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 exploration of not only the host institution itself but society, culture, government and its performance, history, domestic and foreign policy, as well as contemporary issues that the entire nation grapples with. This research has helped me figure out what Germany means for me in particular, and for my country in General. 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 to 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 indirectly upon how critical thinking is a feasible rule for problem-solving and thinking rationally, how it’s being applied in tackling dilemmas that occur under stressful situations, and, moreover, 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 how the critical thinking process works, a much-needed skill in our educational institutions. Additionally, he is an intellectual whose work illuminated me of the reality of Marx’s theories and the intellectual confrontation with capitalism through his published studies, as well as, in a debate organized by intellectuals at a conference held to discuss the crisis of capitalism. Our discussion sessions also provided me with insights that were useful 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 the sphere of theoretical analysis. I’m currently trying to create a community of open-minded researchers in order to continue developing our knowledge, and modernize the task of fact-finding and experience exchange for introducing outcomes to the global academic community later on. 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, I see 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 could find the image of the world in front of me. As a scholar with a fondness for cultural exchange, I benefited significantly during the regular sessions designed for this goal and organized by the International Student Team (IST). I enrolled in an intensive German course, which was a wonderful chance to meet international students as well as German nationals at the cultural forum, I experienced multiculturalism where I saw my image in the mirror of others. If you are unqualified or not open-minded to other cultures, this reality will incontrovertibly make you better off with far-sighted goals.

International cultural interchangeable gathering organized by International Students Team (IST)0

The center for graduate studies is a good 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. Researchers, therefore, can find a welcoming academic realm as well as what makes their thoughts applicable to their academic efforts due to the nature of compatibility, pluralism, interaction, and acceptance, in addition to the availability of resources whether at libraries or local institutions depending on your need.

In the end, an enormous amount of knowledge is expected to be earned through the academic hospitality and attractiveness that push students to pursue more opportunities that require additional efforts encouraging the candidate to keep educating himself. If the language is a barrier, the strong motivation to achieve the desired goals will burden it down.

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

In the public sphere and society as a whole, I touched upon how Germans cherish their language, culture, and heritage; you only find signs written only in German, even at public places. Germans take pride in the documentation of any important event, putting up amazingly sculpted statues and murals where ideas are captured with artistic insinuations, and inscriptions refer to historical events or people that 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 headquarter 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. I am interested in this social topic and have a membership at the Palestinian Union for People with Disabilities. It would have been interesting to learn about how this category is being 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 with perseverance and persistence we could build up a renaissance. This is the lesson I learned from the Germans, whose nation was rebuilt after being awfully ruined.

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