DAAD Prize 2025: Kassel director of the German Café honored as a role model!

DAAD Prize 2025: Kassel director of the German Café honored as a role model!

On October 7, 2025, Liana Baghdasaryan was awarded this year's DAAD Prize at the University of Kassel. The 27-year-old native of Armenia has been running the university's German Café since 2018, a project that offers international students, refugees and interested parties free German lessons in a welcoming atmosphere. The award ceremony, which was hosted by University President Prof. Dr. Ute Clement not only honors Baghdasaryan's outstanding academic achievements, but also her social commitment, which became particularly important during the corona pandemic.

During this difficult time, Baghdasaryan created a digital space that allowed participants to communicate with each other and expand their language skills. This was one of the first fully digital offerings from the University of Kassel. Your initiative has not only promoted exchange, but also created a community of different cultures.

Commitment and training

Liana Baghdasaryan studied German at the State University of Yerevan and also works as a teacher at the Language Center at the University of Kassel. She is also involved in the International Summer and Winter University and the Europa-Kolleg Kassel. Her extensive involvement in various areas of the university shows her exceptional commitment to the international student community.

The DAAD Prize is endowed with 1,000 euros and has been awarded to German universities for more than ten years. The aim of the prize is to give the international students a face and to bring their stories to the world. The award winners represent a new generation of partners for Germany in science, business and politics. The DAAD Prize is therefore not only an appreciation of individual achievements, but also a commitment to the internationality of German higher education. Further information about the DAAD Prize and its significance can be found on the website DAAD.

The University of Kassel attaches particular importance to recognizing international students and doctoral candidates who distinguish themselves through excellent academic achievements and active social commitment. This year Baghdasaryan was joined by Dr. Hans Grote, the department manager for humanities and cultural studies, and received this honor because of their extraordinary contribution to the student community. The award ceremony shows that the University of Kassel supports and promotes its international members in the best possible way.

An example of the commitment and success of international students at German universities is Marlon Luis Castro Alfonso, who came to Germany in 2014 for a language course and has stayed ever since. He successfully completed a bachelor's degree in business administration and is continuing his academic career in the master's degree in risk management. His excellent academic achievements and active participation in various committees at the university make him a role model for many. His activities include, among other things, looking after new international students in the buddy program and supporting the business department in planning new study programs. Such support demonstrates the close connection and integration of international students into everyday university life, which is why many others do information stand by.

The award of the DAAD Prize not only honors an individual, but also honors the entire concept of an international, open and supportive university culture that brings people from different countries together and allows them to flourish.