Language Centre

New Perspectives through the HAN–HBRS Student Exchange

Monday 23 June 2025

As part of the exchange program between Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (HBRS) and the HAN University, students from both universities had the opportunity this year to visit each other and gain insights into academic life across the border.

HAN University of Applied Sciences Campus Gebäude Hamerhuis_12042025_Foto Angela Althen

Campus building Hamerhuis at the HAN University

The main goal of the program was to foster personal exchange beyond national and disciplinary boundaries. The first part of the exchange took HBRS students to Nijmegen, where they met with HAN students to explore the university and the city together. The focus was on peer communication, joint activities and exploring the differences in the higher education system and everyday student life.

HAN Austausch Tour durch Biocentre Lab_16052025_Foto Angela Althen

Students on a tour of the Biocentre Lab at HAN University

The visit offered participants the chance to experience Dutch study culture first-hand, through interaction with local students and a tour of the university campus and the Biocentre laboratory.

HAN Austausch Anja Burghammer mit Studierenden im Labor_110425_Foto Angela Althen

Anja Burghammer, H-BRS, with students in the lab

During the subsequent return visit, the HAN students were welcomed to Rheinbach with an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Annette Menke and a joint lunch. Afterwards, the guests were able to learn more about the study environment at HBRS during laboratory tours, small experiments and a guided tour of the town. In the evening, they went to Bonn, where they shared a light dinner. On Saturday, participants took part in self-organised group activities and had many informal discussions.

The exchange offered all participants the opportunity to get to know another university and a new country, as well as the chance to look beyond their everyday student life, make contacts, and develop their intercultural skills. Many students described the encounters as motivating and enriching - both professionally and personally.