A group of 23 students from the Israeli Academic College Tel Aviv-Yaffo visited Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) in mid-November. The aim of the study trip was to facilitate academic and personal exchange on political and economic developments in the European Union and in Israel.
During their three-day stay at the Kleve campus, the group attended a series of lectures organised by the Faculty of Society and Economics. The main topics covered included European economic and foreign policy, the economic framework in Israel, and issues of democratic governance. Prof. Dr Arie Krampf gave a guest lecture on this subject. On behalf of HSRW, Prof. Dr Jakob Lempp, Professor of Political Science specialising in International Relations, and Prof. Dr Gregor van der Beek, Professor of Economics specialising in Finance, led workshops on the topic of the EU. There was also a start-up workshop led by Adriana Boldisova, a research assistant at the Centre for Research, Innovation and Transfer (ZFIT).
During moderated discussion sessions and group work, visitors engaged in conversation with HSRW students who are studying international political developments in depth. The dialogue enabled the guests to gain insights into the European – and, in particular, the German – external perspective on Israel. At the same time, it offered HSRW students the opportunity to learn more about the complex realities of life for young people in Israel – shaped by security challenges, social tensions and the daily struggle with issues surrounding morality, democracy and identity.
The Academic College Tel Aviv-Yaffo sees itself as a bridge-builder between the diverse groups and religions in the region. A distinctive feature of the college is the cultural and religious diversity of its students, who form an inclusive community. The college is characterised, amongst other things, by its active outreach to local Palestinian students, thereby promoting diversity on campus. Within the country, it thus makes a significant contribution to social exchange and mutual understanding. This diversity was also reflected in the composition of the delegation, which brought with it different perspectives on Israeli society and its political challenges.
The delegation’s visit impressively demonstrated just how valuable international academic exchanges can be, particularly in politically challenging times. Through open dialogue, joint academic work and personal discussions, a contribution was made to mutual understanding that will have an impact far beyond the three-day visit. Both the Academic College Tel Aviv-Yaffo and Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences expressed great interest in continuing the exchange. To this end, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to be drawn up.
The visit was organised by the Kulturprojekte Niederrhein e. V. association, which already has a partnership with the College. The association made the visit possible with funding from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (Global-Connect NRW, Europaschecks).
