What inspired you to work for FUBiS?
I have always been passionate about creating opportunities for intercultural exchange and academic growth. Early in my career, I realized how transformative it can be for students to step outside of their familiar environments, immerse themselves in a new culture, and engage in challenging academic experiences abroad. When I learned about FUBiS, I immediately felt drawn to its mission: providing international students with not only rigorous academic courses taught by outstanding faculty, but also the chance to truly experience life in Berlin. What drew me to FUBiS was the idea of helping to shape a program that combines high-quality teaching with meaningful cultural experiences. That combination continues to inspire me in my daily work.
Describe a typical day at work.
One of the things I appreciate most about my role is that there is no “typical” day. My work is extremely varied. Some mornings begin with coordination meetings with faculty members, discussing course design, syllabi updates, or academic innovations. Later in the day, I might meet with international partners to plan future collaborations or attend to student services issues, ensuring that our participants feel supported and well-informed. During our program terms, my days are particularly lively: welcoming new students at orientation, visiting classes, and checking in with instructors. Outside of term time, my focus shifts more toward strategic planning, developing new initiatives, and strengthening relationships with our partner universities worldwide.
Why do you do what you do?
I do this work because I deeply believe in the power of study abroad to transform lives. Education is not just about knowledge transfer; it is about shaping perspectives, fostering resilience, and building bridges across cultures. Each student who participates in FUBiS carries their experiences back home, and in doing so, they become ambassadors of intercultural understanding. Being part of that process is both meaningful and fulfilling. It is my way of contributing to a more connected, empathetic, and globally minded world.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is witnessing the student journey. On the first day, students often arrive a bit nervous, uncertain about what to expect. By the end of the program, they have not only mastered academic content but also built friendships, gained confidence, and discovered new sides of themselves. Seeing their personal and academic growth firsthand – and knowing that our team played a role in enabling it – is the most rewarding aspect of my job.
FUBiS Students participating in an excursion to Dresden
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
Having studied and worked internationally myself, I understand both the excitement and the challenges that come with living and learning in a different country. This personal experience helps me relate to our students and anticipate their needs. Academically, my education has given me a strong foundation in program management and intercultural communication. These skills are essential in balancing the needs of our diverse student body, our faculty, and our international partners. I draw on my background every day, whether it’s in designing student services that are both practical and empathetic, or in building academic partnerships that are sustainable and mutually beneficial.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
One ongoing challenge is the sheer diversity of our student body – participants come from more than 40 countries with different academic systems, expectations, and cultural backgrounds. It requires constant flexibility and adaptability to meet everyone’s needs while maintaining the integrity of the program. Another challenge is the logistics of running an intensive short-term program: everything happens in just a few weeks, so we have to be extremely well-prepared and quick to respond if unexpected issues arise. I overcome these challenges with a strong team, clear communication, and the mindset that every challenge is also an opportunity to improve and learn.
What are some current projects you are working on?
At the moment, much of our work focuses on continuously refining and enhancing what FUBiS already offers. This includes reviewing and updating our academic courses to ensure they remain relevant and engaging, as well as integrating student and faculty feedback into our planning. At the same time, we are working on further strengthening our partnerships with universities worldwide, creating more opportunities for students from a variety of backgrounds to participate. Another project is the continuous improvement of our student support services – for instance, developing mental health resources and accessibility measures so that every student feels welcome and supported throughout their stay in Berlin.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
If I could speak to my younger self before my first study abroad experience, I would say: “Be open, be curious, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. The moments of uncertainty and challenge will be the ones that teach you the most.” I would also remind myself to take the time to connect with people – classmates, locals, professors – because those human connections are what make the experience truly unforgettable.
What makes FUBiS special?
FUBiS is special because it offers students much more than just courses – it creates a holistic study abroad experience in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Our program brings together academic quality, personal support, and cultural immersion. Students can choose from a wide range of courses in different disciplines, including German language, and combine their studies with excursions and cultural activities that make Berlin their classroom. What truly makes FUBiS stand out is the sense of community: even though participants come from more than 40 countries, they quickly form a close-knit group, supported by a dedicated team that is always available to help them navigate their time abroad.
Why should someone choose FUBiS over competitors?
There are many excellent study abroad programs, but FUBiS offers a unique combination that is hard to find elsewhere. Our academic program is intensive yet flexible, allowing students to earn credits in a short time frame without losing the depth of learning. The courses are taught by experienced faculty who are passionate about engaging international students in interactive ways. At the same time, we put a strong emphasis on student services. From the moment students apply until the day they leave Berlin, our team is there to guide and support them. This personalized attention, combined with the rich academic and cultural environment of Berlin, makes FUBiS an excellent choice for anyone seeking both academic progress and personal growth.
Berlin: Music and Sound in the Digital Age - FUBiS Subject Course in Action
What hopes do you have for the future of FUBiS?
My hope is that FUBiS will continue to be a place where international students feel challenged, supported, and inspired. Looking ahead, I want to see the program remain strong in its foundations – high academic standards and excellent student care – while also growing in inclusivity and accessibility. We aim to welcome an even wider range of students, regardless of their background, and to provide them with opportunities that truly shape their future. Another hope is that FUBiS will keep fostering intercultural understanding in times when dialogue and empathy across borders are more important than ever.
Are there any developments with FUBiS that you would like to share with us?
We are continuously refining our program to respond to the needs of students and the expectations of partner universities. This includes reviewing our course portfolio, exploring new academic collaborations, and enhancing the services we offer on-site. At the same time, we are investing in student support structures, such as expanding mental health resources and improving accessibility measures. These developments may not always be highly visible, but they have a direct impact on the student experience and help us ensure that everyone feels welcome and supported during their time in Berlin.
What makes FUBiS easy to market to potential participants?
FUBiS is easy to share with students and universities because the program has clear strengths that speak for themselves. First, it is academically rigorous and internationally recognized, with credits that are transferable to many universities worldwide. Second, Berlin is an attractive location – a city full of history, culture, and innovation, which naturally appeals to students. Third, the program length and flexibility make it accessible: students can choose between different terms, course combinations, and housing options to fit their individual goals. Finally, the testimonials of past participants, who describe their FUBiS experience as transformative and memorable, make it easy to convey the value of the program to new audiences.
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
The mission of FUBiS is to provide international students with an academically rigorous and culturally immersive study abroad experience that broadens their perspectives and strengthens their personal and academic development. We work toward this mission by carefully selecting and supporting our faculty, by creating structures that make students feel safe and cared for, and by continuously seeking feedback to improve. Every course, every excursion, and every service we provide is designed with the idea of connecting people across cultures and disciplines. Staying true to this mission means never standing still – we adapt, innovate, and listen to our students to make sure FUBiS remains a program that truly enriches lives.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
My greatest hope is that participants leave FUBiS not only with academic credits and stronger subject knowledge, but with a sense of personal growth and intercultural competence. I want them to look back and see that they challenged themselves – academically, socially, and personally – and that they succeeded. Ideally, students carry home new friendships across borders, a deeper understanding of Berlin and Germany, and a stronger awareness of their own strengths. Study abroad can teach lessons that go far beyond textbooks: how to navigate uncertainty, how to connect with people from different cultures, and how to see the world from multiple perspectives. These are the takeaways that, in my view, last a lifetime.
How do you help support participants?
Support is one of the core values of FUBiS. From the first inquiry, our team guides students through the application process, visa questions, and practical arrangements such as housing. Once in Berlin, we make sure they feel welcomed and safe: we provide orientations, student assistants are available for questions, and our team remains accessible for any issues that may arise. We also accompany students academically, helping them adjust to new teaching methods and expectations. Beyond logistics, we care about their well-being – whether that means offering advice when they feel homesick, connecting them with mental health resources, or simply providing a listening ear. Our philosophy is that no student should ever feel alone in the program.
Berlin
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
This is a wonderful question! If I could be a participant myself, I would choose to take a German language course paired with one of the interdisciplinary classes. Even though I am German, I would enjoy experiencing language learning from the student’s perspective again, and pairing it with a subject such as history, politics, or art to see Berlin through new eyes. I would also make sure to join as many excursions as possible – exploring museums, memorials, and neighborhoods that even long-time residents sometimes overlook. Experiencing FUBiS as a participant would allow me to reconnect with the curiosity and openness that students bring to the program.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
At the beginning of the program, students often come to us with very practical questions: how to get to campus, how to navigate public transportation, or where to find a good place to eat near their housing. My team and I see these moments as opportunities to reassure them and also to encourage a spirit of discovery – figuring out everyday life in a new city is very much part of the study abroad adventure. As the weeks go on, the questions change. Toward the end of the program, many students ask us what they should make sure to experience in Berlin before they leave. Our advice is always the same: of course, explore the city, but above all, take time to be with the friends you have made here, because those human connections are what you will remember most vividly.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing a new culture is one of the most effective ways to broaden one’s horizons. It helps people realize that their own way of seeing the world is just one among many, and that diversity of perspectives is enriching rather than threatening. Living in another culture challenges assumptions, builds empathy, and teaches resilience. For students, it is also an opportunity to reflect on their own identity – they learn not only about the host country, but also about themselves. At a time when global cooperation and mutual understanding are essential, intercultural experiences abroad provide the foundation for more open-minded and responsible global citizens.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language opens doors – both literally and figuratively. It allows people to communicate directly with others, but it also provides deeper insight into a culture’s values, history, and worldview. Even learning a few phrases can make a big difference in how one is received and how connected one feels. For students, language learning is also an exercise in patience and humility: it requires stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, making mistakes, and persisting nonetheless. These qualities are essential in any field of life. At FUBiS, we see that students who engage in language learning often gain the most rewarding intercultural experiences because they are able to interact with locals on a more personal level.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
My main advice is to approach the experience with openness and curiosity. It is natural to feel nervous before leaving home, but the moments of uncertainty are often the most rewarding. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and meet people whose perspectives may be very different from your own. At the same time, give yourself patience – adapting to a new culture takes time, and it is perfectly normal to experience ups and downs along the way. Finally, keep a journal or reflect regularly. These experiences may feel overwhelming in the moment, but writing them down will help you appreciate later just how much you learned and grew.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For me, meaningful travel is not about checking places off a list; it is about creating genuine connections and gaining deeper insights. When travel becomes meaningful, it leaves you with something that stays long after the trip has ended – a new friendship, a new perspective, or a new sense of empathy. In the context of international education, meaningful travel means actively engaging with the host community, listening more than speaking, and trying to understand local contexts rather than only looking for what feels familiar. It is about learning with humility and respect.
FUBiS German Language Class
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located?
One challenge I see is when programs focus too heavily on serving the needs of visiting students without considering the long-term impact on the host community. International education should always be a two-way street: students learn from the community, but the community should also benefit from their presence. Another issue is that studying abroad is marketed as a kind of consumer product rather than an educational partnership. That approach risks reducing complex intercultural encounters into something transactional. What I value instead is building sustainable relationships that are based on dialogue, respect, and a genuine exchange of knowledge and experiences.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement means being mindful of the power dynamics that can exist in international education. It requires honesty about who benefits, who is represented, and how decisions are made. For me, it is important that programs not only provide value to students but also act responsibly toward their host institutions, partner universities, and local communities. This involves fair collaboration with faculty and staff, transparent communication with partners, and sensitivity to cultural and historical contexts. Ethical engagement also means acknowledging that we are guests in the host community – and that respect, reciprocity, and humility should guide our actions.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that international education becomes even more inclusive and accessible. Too often, studying abroad is limited to students who already have certain privileges. My wish is that more structures and funding opportunities will open doors for students from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and geographical backgrounds. Another hope is that programs will increasingly focus on global challenges such as climate change, migration, or digital transformation – giving students the tools to contribute thoughtfully to these debates. Finally, I hope that international education will continue to emphasize empathy and intercultural understanding as essential skills for the future.
What qualities in program & host community relations are essential to you? (And FUBiS?)
For FUBiS and for myself, the most important qualities are trust, respect, and reciprocity. Trust comes from long-term collaboration and transparent communication. Respect means acknowledging the expertise, needs, and priorities of the host community. Reciprocity ensures that both sides benefit – students gain knowledge and experiences, while the host community also receives recognition, resources, or contributions that matter to them. In practice, this means listening carefully, involving local voices in program design, and being willing to adapt. Healthy relationships with host communities are not only ethically necessary but also enrich the student experience, because they make encounters more authentic and sustainable.
