Students from a wide variety of backgrounds come together at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts. More than ten percent of the approximately 15,000 students are international, and many more have their own immigration history or family with a migration background. The Nordstadtgalerie of the "Hochschule vor Ort" presented some of them in an exhibition - with elaborately illustrated portraits on the windows of the gallery in Bornstraße and on the Nordstadtgalerie(Opens in a new tab) Instagram channel.
The campaign focused on individual paths to the university of applied sciences. These paths reflect the cultural diversity of the UAS, but also the hurdles, hopes and successes of the individual protagonists.
The Nordstadtgalerie: a creative hotspot in the north of Dortmund
Sergio, 27: From secondary school to architecture student
Take 27-year-old Sergio, for example. Born in Portugal, he came to Germany at the age of two and grew up in a three-generation home. Sergio spent a lot of time with his grandmother during his childhood, so he was primarily introduced to the Portuguese language. As a result, the good pupil only received a secondary school recommendation after elementary school.
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Sergio did not let this put him off: he finished the tenth grade with a qualified secondary school certificate. He transferred seamlessly to the upper secondary school and marched purposefully towards his full A-levels. During his subsequent training as a draughtsman, he decided that his next goal would be to go to university.
SergioBecause of the language barrier, I was placed in the Hauptschule. Thanks to my good performance, I graduated from secondary school and was able to transfer to a grammar school to complete my A-levels. Now I am successfully studying at the FH.
"Studying is fun!"
Today, Sergio is studying architecture at the University of Applied Sciences. He appreciates the family atmosphere in the faculty, and with the 8-semester Bachelor's degree he also acquires the so-called chamber qualification - this is the prerequisite for being able to work as an independent architect by registering with a state chamber of architects.
His message to other prospective students: "Studying is fun! You get to know new people, different perspectives on other cultures, indeed on life as a whole!"
Sofia, 28: Realizing her childhood dream
Sofia is also at home in architecture. Even as a small child, she dreamed of becoming an architect. However, Sofia, whose family roots are in Greece, regularly felt resistance and reservations; she was ridiculed at school and had to put up with hurtful comments.
SofiaEven as a small child, I wanted to be an architect. I measured rooms with a ruler and drew them on a scale of 1:100. I also used to plan furniture from catalogs.
Today we would probably call it bullying - bitter experiences that also spurred Sofia on: "I wanted to prove to myself and the others all the more that I could do it. And when I was able to live out my passion, everything went really well and today I am above the stupid comments from back then."
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Don't let the pressure get to you
Sofia followed her passion with seven-league boots: she is about to complete her Bachelor's degree and will finish her studies within the standard period of study.
She encourages young prospective students not to get too caught up in pressures and requirements and to enjoy student life beyond the lecture hall.
Faculty of Architecture
Ana Maria, 25: From Colombia to study in Dortmund
Ana Maria left her home country of Colombia six years ago to study graphic design at Fachhochschule Dortmund - a big step, albeit not a journey into the unknown: Back in her school days, Ana Maria spent nine months at a German grammar school as part of a language diploma. During this time, she got to know the German education system, made friends and the idea of studying in Germany was always in the back of her mind.
After graduating from school, however, everything pointed to the fact that this adventure would never happen in reality; Ana Maria was sure of a place at university in her home country. "My best friend then reminded me of the advantages of studying in Germany. We decided to go to Germany together and I have never regretted my decision."
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FH gives international students a voice
At Fachhochschule Dortmund, she appreciates not only the academic opportunities but also the great effort made to support international students: "It's important for the university to give us a voice and integrate us. There are courses that are specially tailored to us - for example, how I write a Bachelor's thesis as a foreign student."
Ana MariaIt is important to the University of Applied Sciences to give international students a voice and to integrate us.
Nevertheless, studying as a non-native speaker was and still is challenging. Ana Maria first had to find her own learning pace and find ways to really understand the subject-specific discourse from the lectures and seminars. She has had good experiences with learning groups. Ana Maria is currently writing her Bachelor's thesis and regularly discusses her progress with a friend in video chats.
Ana Maria also advises other international students to network as well as possible and to always ask if they don't understand something. "It's about your own path, your own goals!"
Information for applicants from abroad
Exhibition to encourage prospective students
The Nordstadtgalerie event team is very pleased with the response to the "One university, many paths" campaign: "We are delighted that the exhibition reached over 900 digital visitors and was very well received. We are convinced that the contributions show prospective students that a wide variety of situations can be mastered and encourage them to pursue their own study aspirations."
You can discover all the portraits on the Nordstadtgalerie Instagram channel(Opens in a new tab) .
