International doctoral students from Brazil conquer the University of Vechta!

International doctoral students from Brazil conquer the University of Vechta!

On June 23, 2025, a group of twelve students from the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) visited the University of Vechta. This exchange takes place as part of a DAAD exchange program that promotes international cooperation in higher education. The visit, which lasted four days, was led by Prof. Dr. Accompanied by Mateus Finco, a lecturer at the UFPB.

The program included a wide range of activities that were intended to offer students insights into the German education system and the teaching methods there. Particular attention was paid to the presentation of the Brazilian participants' own projects and studies, who used both practical and theoretical courses during internships. In addition to practical experiences, there were also lectures by Dr. Stephan Sandkötter from sociology, who has had long-standing contacts with Brazil and regularly organizes student exchanges.

Education systems in comparison

A central part of the discussion was the differences between the educational systems of Brazil and Germany. Dr. Sandkötter and the students discussed the respective structures, challenges and opportunities that both countries offer in higher education. These exchange activities are not only enriching for the students, but also for the lecturers, who can get to know new perspectives and teaching approaches.

Joint activities also strengthened cultural understanding and connections between students. A highlight was a beach volleyball tournament to inaugurate a new beach facility, which was organized by the Sports Science Council. There was also a Brazilian afternoon, where traditional dances as well as local snacks and drinks enriched the atmosphere. These events were organized by the International Office of the University of Vechta and included tours of the campus and the city.

The role of the DAAD in Brazil

Financial support for the program came from the Vechta University Association, which illustrates the DAAD's efforts to promote exchange projects between Germany and Brazil. In Brazil, the DAAD maintains an information center in São Paulo and a branch in Rio de Janeiro and offers comprehensive information on study opportunities, scholarships and exchange programs. This is part of a broader strategy that also aims to internationalize science and education.

Brazil has an extensive higher education system with 2,537 institutions, of which 299 are public and 2,238 are private. Access to these universities is often via the ENEM exam, which is also important for foreign students. The popularity of distance learning is growing, and the Universidade de São Paulo (USP) is considered the most important university in the country. These aspects of the education system are crucial to understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by the Brazilian higher education system.

After their stay in Vechta, the group will travel on to Munich and Freiburg, where they can gain further insights into German higher education and expand their intercultural skills. Such exchange programs are not only beneficial for students, but also help to deepen academic relationships between Germany and Brazil.

In summary, this exchange shows how important international cooperation is in higher education in order to offer students diverse experiences and perspectives.

Further information about the DAAD's activities in Brazil and the current exchange programs can be found on the website DAAD and the DAAD country information.

You can also find out more about the student group and the exchange program in the report University of Vechta.