International creativity: Vechta opens up new horizons in design!

International creativity: Vechta opens up new horizons in design!

In July 2025, the University of Vechta hosted an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) that brings together international students and teachers from the fields of design education and social work. The program, which was carried out under the title “Facets of the self – investigating identity”, promoted intercultural exchange and cooperation between universities from different countries. In total, participants from educational institutions from seven countries took part in the event, including representatives of the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and the University of Kentucky.

The program was made possible by a grant of 8,000 euros, which allowed the organizers, where the pedagogical coordination was taken over by Svenja Wetzenstein and Traugott Haas, to offer a variety of workshops in design education, music and social work. These workshops were supplemented by excursions to facilities such as the JVA prison for young offenders and the Johannesstift children's home, where the participants gained practical experience.

International cooperation in focus

The event not only offered participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, but also to broaden their perspectives and learn from the experiences of their fellow students. The response from the students was consistently positive. For example, Azranur Diler from Hacettepe University in Turkey described the interactive workshops as enriching. Hana de la Mure from Charles University in Prague highlighted the examination of identity as an important element. Danielle Marie Jarrett of the University of Kentucky emphasized the importance of creativity in social work, and Jessica Agnew of Algoma University called the week a “unique learning adventure.”

The guest lecturers were also enthusiastic about the synergies that arise between service design and social work. Kirsi Miettinen from Savonia University and Oliver Schöndube from the University of Vechta praised the creative processes and positive learning experiences gained during the program. Svenja Wetzenstein concluded by stating that international collaboration and creative methods are crucial for higher education as well as for social issues.

Erasmus+ program and its importance

The Erasmus+ program, which supported this initiative, specifically promotes international cooperation in the education sector. It enables organizations to gain experience in collaboration and strengthen their capacities. The European partnerships developed under the program can cover various areas of focus, such as inclusion, diversity, the environment and digital transformation. In this context, cooperation was sought in advance that would promote the exchange of knowledge and resources between the institutions involved.

For 2025, the European Commission has formulated long-term priorities that focus on various aspects of education, youth and sport. These include, among other things, promoting networking and innovation in higher education and combating learning disadvantages in schools. Such initiatives are also linked to current geopolitical challenges, such as the response to the war in Ukraine, where the integration of refugees is being promoted.