Press release
February 2025
VIEL round 7 in Kenya: Intercultural exchange and new perspectives
Following a successful virtual semester, students from the seventh VIEL round spent a short-term visit to Kenya in February 2025. This visit took place in the framework of the trinational VIEL project of Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with the University of Limerick (Ireland) and Pwani University (Kenya). “Virtual International Exchange and Learning (VIEL) Kenya-Ireland-Germany” is part of the Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for University Students – BWS plus, a programme of the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung. The project runs for four years and is financed with an amount of 145.000€.
From
virtual exchange to personal encounters
After spending a semester exchanging ideas virtually and taking part in workshops together, the participants in the VIEL project were now eagerly awaiting the time to get to know each other in person. Students from the Communication and Media Management degree program travelled to Kenya from 13 to 22 February 2025 together with project members from HKA to get to know the lives of Kenyan students and Pwani University in Kilifi. They spent a rewarding time with the Kenyan students, experienced the country and its culture at first hand and made new contacts.
Cultural immersion and shared experiences on site
Whether visiting local markets, a primary school, local classes or cooking traditional Kenyan dishes together - the time was characterised by fruitful exchange, joy and the gaining of valuable intercultural experience. On 21 February 2025, the students reported on their experiences during the VIEL semester at a large event at Pwani University and gave keynote speeches on why intercultural skills also play a central role in the field of technical communication. The final event was a dinner at which all those involved in the VIEL project came together and the students were presented with their certificates - a successful conclusion to an unforgettable stay.
Why intercultural competence is more important today than ever before
In today's globalised world, encounters with other cultures are key to understanding the diversity of our world. Intercultural exchange plays a crucial role in this, as it helps us to look beyond our own horizons and gain new perspectives. Following her participation in the VIEL exchange, Naomie, a student at HKA, emphasises this: „This program showed me that understanding other cultures doesn’t just make you more knowledgeable—it makes you more human. It challenges your perspectives, deepens your empathy, and gives you a new lens through which to see the world. I walk away from VIEL not just with new insights but with new friendships, new ways of thinking, and a real appreciation for the connections we can create, no matter the distance.“
About the VIEL project
“Virtual International Exchange and Learning (VIEL) Kenya-Ireland-Germany” is a
trinational project initiated by Prof Sissi Closs from Karlsruhe University of
Applied Sciences in cooperation with Pwani University in Kenya and the
University of Limerick in Ireland. The aim of the project is to facilitate a
cultural and professional exchange for students in a future-orientated, virtual
setting. Students acquire important skills in the field of technical
communication and gain valuable experience in intercultural exchange. The
project started in October 2021 and will run until September 2025. All further information on the VIEL project is also available on the karlifi.org learning platform and on Instagram. On the shared exchange platform karlifi.org you can also read the VIEL students' experience reports.
Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM
The Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM
supports the international exchange of students and vocationally qualified
people. Since 2001, it has enabled more than 28,000 young people from
Baden-Württemberg to gain experience abroad and allowed scholarship holders
from other countries to visit Baden-Württemberg. Approximately 1,500 young
people receive a Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM
each year.
Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for University Students – BWS plus
With the Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for University Students – BWS plus, the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung supports innovative joint projects between universities from Baden-Württemberg and their international partners. The programme is endowed with approximately 1.2 million euros annually. Since 2011, more than 130 BWS plus projects have been supported at universities in Baden-Württemberg.
The Baden-Württemberg Stiftung
advocates a vital
Baden-Württemberg with a high quality of life for all its residents. It helps
pave the way for advanced technological progress, high quality education, and a
responsible relationship with fellow human beings. The Baden-Württemberg
Stiftung is one of the major foundations in Germany. It is the only foundation
which exclusively and above party lines invests in the future of the state of
Baden-Württemberg – and thus in the future of its citizens.
