Passau University intensifies international exchange with Kobe

Passau University intensifies international exchange with Kobe

Vice President for International Affairs at the University of Passau, Prof. Dr. Christina Hansen, visited Kobe University in Japan on March 24, 2025. The aim of this trip was to deepen the collaboration between the two institutions and to promote the exchange of students and researchers. In a meeting with Tamaki Hisashi, director of the Institute for the Promotion of International Partnerships at Kobe University, the framework conditions and opportunities for innovative collaboration were discussed. Other participants at the meeting were Dr. Kathrin Eveline Plank, international affairs officer at the University of Passau, and Umeya Kiyoshi and Inoue Hiroki, both from the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies at Kobe University.

During the visit, Prof. Dr. Hansen presented the faculty structure of her university and the various interdisciplinary academic programs. This was particularly relevant as Kobe University has extensive programs with 388 partner institutions in 64 countries. The international partnerships are divided into different regions, with 150 of them based in Europe and also represented in Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, North America and Latin America and the Caribbean. This has enabled Kobe University to establish deeper educational and research exchange programs with its partner universities, such as kobe-u.ac.jp confirmed.

Energy of interdisciplinary collaboration

A central topic during the meeting was the concept of the “V.School”, which is anchored at Kobe University. Tamaki Hisashi explained how this platform promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and focuses on ensuring efficient exchange programs. Those responsible are aware that supporting international study programs not only brings academic benefits, but also plays an important role in the development of students' personal and cultural skills.

The discussion about promoting student exchange and the mobility of scientists between the two universities was considered very important by both sides. The aim is to expand existing programs and create new initiatives that further intensify the exchange. This is also a concern of the University of Passau, which already has various international partnerships.

In order to draw further comparisons, the Leuphana University of Lüneburg also offers a comprehensive network of over 200 partner universities, which promotes the exchange of students. These include special programs that include both double degrees and integrated semesters abroad. The close cooperation between Leuphana University and its partner institution shows how important such international relationships are for the academic world leuphana.de documented.

Overall, the visit from Prof. Dr. Christina Hansen at Kobe University is an important step towards strengthening cooperation between universities and promoting international academic mobility. The future of the academic partnership between these two institutions promises to open up diverse opportunities for students and researchers who value cultural and academic diversity.