Press release
October 2025
Intercultural learning with a sustainable impact: The VIEL project has come to an end after four successful years
After four years, the successful trinational VIEL project run by the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with Pwani University (Kenya) and the University of Limerick (Ireland) came to an end with a closing event in Kilifi, 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€.
Final VIEL round 8 with six students
The eighth and final round of the project took place from March to September 2025. Six students from Pwani University, the University of Limerick and Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences took part. The virtual semester included workshops on technical communication topics and weekly informal get-togethers to get to know each other better and exchange ideas in a private setting. At the end of the semester, the students travelled to Kenya to meet in person after their virtual collaboration. The time spent together provided intensive insights into each other's cultures and at the same time promoted mutual understanding and appreciation for their own cultures, as Raphaela, a master's student in the KMM programme, reports: “One thing I found especially interesting was how much I learned, not only about Kenyan and Irish cultures, but also about my own, during the exchange. Talking about our backgrounds made me reflect on what it means to be German and how others see us. That was both surprising and insightful.”
Final closing event in Kilifi
On
28 September 2025, a closing event of the VIEL project took place in Kilifi –
the grand finale of the eighth round of short-term stays. All Kenyan alumni
from previous VIEL rounds and participants from the former ADDI project were
invited. Almost all members of the organising team and other guests also
attended. During a joint dinner, those present first exchanged views on the
project and its successes before the official part began. Prof. Sissi Closs
thanked all project members, especially the project coordinators Edith Miano
from Pwani University, Dr Yvonne Cleary from the University of Limerick and
Belinda Oechsler from Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences for their
dedicated work, and once again emphasised the great success and significance of
the project.
The students of the eighth round gave short keynote speeches in which they
looked back on their time together, shared personal experiences and reported on
what they had learned from each other. Despite their different cultural and
historical backgrounds, it was emphasised that they share many common values
and experiences. Afterwards, they were ceremoniously presented with their
certificates. The event concluded with the screening of a film in which many
VIEL alumni had participated – a moving retrospective and thank you to all
those involved. It was particularly impressive to see how many people had
benefited from the VIEL project. Instead of the initially planned 36 students
in six rounds, a total of 45 students were actively involved in eight
rounds. In addition, 211 other students from Karlsruhe University of
Applied Sciences and Pwani University took part in the virtual workshops,
significantly increasing the reach and impact of the project.
About the VIEL Project
VIEL was launched in October 2021 and was initially planned to run for three years. Due to high interest, it was extended for another year in 2024 at no additional cost. Initiated by Prof. Sissi Closs from Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with Pwani University and the University of Limerick, the project combines professional training in technical communication with intercultural exchange. The hybrid concept enables students to acquire important skills and build a sustainable network that will continue to exist beyond the end of the project. Project leader Prof. Closs emphasises: „ Together with the former project ADDI, VIEL has established a large network in which participants not only exchange technical expertise on a long-term basis but also benefit from their international contacts and the intercultural skills they have acquired”.
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.
