In this year’s International Project Week (IPW), which took place from 8^th of May 2017 to 12^th  of May 2017, the intercultural exchange between the students, members of the University as well as the International Guest Lecturers was in the main focus. We welcomed guests from Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, Turkey and Ireland. In several lectures, workshops and excursions, the participants learned about different subjects of the international economy. With regard to the linguistically side, the aspect of internationality was rated with a great value. The offer varied between German, Spanish and English speaking events.

For the opening of the International Project Week on Monday, a welcome dinner has been organized at the Upstalsboom Parkhotel. On Tuesday the social program continued with the official formal Dinner in the “Hafenhaus”. The international lecturers as well as members from the University of Applied Sciences received in both events the opportunity to get in touch with each other in a relaxed atmosphere with a nice dinner and good drinks, and to prepare for the following Project Week.

In addition to the lectures and the official social program our international guests had the possibility to explore Emden on their own, e.g. by doing a walk around the Delft or by visiting the state museum and the art gallery.

The highlight of the social program was a visit to small village Greetsiel near the sea, which is famous for its fishery business. Our guests participated in a guided German and English speaking tour through the nice little village with beautiful weather and historical facts of Greetsiel. They enjoyed a special cultural East Frisian experience with a tea time served in the Twin Mills, which is one of the village’s famous landmarks. Afterwards they had the possibility to explore the little village. The guest lecturers had the chance to purchase some souvenirs or just enjoy the beautiful landscape and the ambience of the little harbor.

Of course, the economical aspect of Emden was also an important point during the week and our guests were offerd to visit the premises of Volkswagen in Emden. During a guided tour, everyone gained an interesting insight into the production of Volkswagen cars.

All in all we can look back to a successful International Project Week 2017.  In addition to a great and interesting cultural exchange, our students enjoyed high-quality lectures with a high number of participants. We are looking forward to our upcoming International Project Week 2018 and hope to welcome again this year’s lecturers as well as new international guests.