Collaborative Students‘ Project

When 15 students from the Oranim Academic College in Kiryat Tivon meet as many German students from the Protestant University of Applied Sciences RWL in Bochum, important questions are asked: Who transmits history in Germany, how and to whom? What role do immigrants play in the transmission of history and, against this background, what does cultural diversity mean? The themes of identity, history, and multiculturalism frame the seminars and lectures, as well as the visits to schools, social and welfare organizations, and community centers.

The return visit to Israel sets its own agenda: The guests from Germany travel to Kiryat Tivon in the north of Israel – a region of the country influenced by immigration and multiculturalism. This time the program includes the Jewish past and present, the question of a democratic Jewish state, and aspects of the Israeli-Arab conflict. Like in Germany, the students will meet people who represent in a particular way the cultural diversity of Israeli society. Inside and outside the seminars the questions are asked: how does immigration change a society and what does this represent? The history of the majority or the memory of its minorities? What similarities or differences between German and Israeli society play a role in this process? Potential answers and the personal experiences of the participants in both meetings lead to deeper insights into the educational and social work of each country as well as the related themes and areas of praxis. In the end new networks are forged between aspiring professionals and the institutions they represent.

As part of the ongoing “Collaborative Students’ Project” that takes place from March 15, 2012 to March 31, 2013, fifteen students respectively from the Oranim Academic College of Education in Kiryat Tivon, Israel and the Protestant University of Applied Science RWL in Bochum meet for one week in Germany and one week in Israel for an intensive exchange of ideas and practices. The meetings will be prepared through seminars at both schools.