Building bridges between continents: Münster and Valparaiso get closer

At the end of October, the Brazil Centre at the University of Münster welcomed a group of students from the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, led by Prof. Daniela Leal, Professor at the Faculty of Social Work, for a two-day visit. The exchange offered numerous opportunities for academic and intercultural encounters, which centred on both scientific discussions and cultural experiences.

The objective of the visit was to gain insight into the University of Münster and its full range of offerings. An overview of the university, the Brazil Centre and its international activities was provided to the participants by Anja Grecko Lorenz, Managing Director of the Brazil Centre. Additionally, the visitors had the opportunity to engage in a cultural exchange with local students during a Spanish course led by lecturer Olga Gaudioso Solsona at the university's Language Centre, with the support of Ayrton Chavez.

The visit also provided many opportunities for professional dialogue: in a discussion with Lisa Narendorf, the student representative for psychology, the guests learned more about the structure of studies and student life in Münster. Another highlight was the meeting with Professor Sarah Albiez-Wieck, during which a lively dialogue took place on the historical and cultural interdependence of Europe and Latin America. Exciting discussions also took place at the Institute of Education: Prof. Dr Onno Husen exchanged views with the group on current challenges in social pedagogy, and the Chilean students had the opportunity to actively participate in a seminar, discussing common issues with their German counterparts and drawing comparisons between their countries.

The cultural dimension of the visit was not neglected either. A guided tour of the city of Münster and the Botanical Gardens by its curator Dr Dennise Bauer, accompanied by Katy dos Santos from the Brazil Centre, allowed the guests to experience the history and nature of the region, while meals together, in particular the cosy dinner with the Brazil Centre team in a traditional bar, provided space for personal discussions and intercultural connections. The visit was rounded off with an open, Münster-wide ‘International Table’ in SpecOps, which once again highlighted the importance of international dialogue.

The joint activities and encounters not only enriched professional and academic knowledge, but also promoted intercultural understanding. The openness and enthusiasm of the Chilean guests made the visit an enriching experience for all involved and left a lasting impression.

Estudiantes cumplieron intensa visita a universidades alemanas (in Spanish)

I am deeply grateful for the warmth and careful welcome that the team of the Brazil Center of University of Munster gave to our academic delegation from the PUCV. The group of 12 PUCV students had the chance to visit the different campuses of Munster University which gave them the opportunity to walk and know different parts of the beautiful city of Munster. They met and interacted with German students and professors, participating in lectures and also enjoying times in the botanical garden and bars. It was a full international and intercultural experience, very meaningful for young people and students coming from Latin America, many of whom had never before visited a foreign country. Many thanks for making our visit so interesting and memorable!

Daniela Giambruno Leal, Associate Professor at School of Social Work, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV)

Building bridges between continents: Münster and Valparaiso get closer

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