Abdullah Burhan: A Franco-German spring for Bochum!

Abdullah Burhan: A Franco-German spring for Bochum!

Abdullah Burhan from France has completed a Franco-German voluntary service at the Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) since September 2024. His volunteer year ends in June 2025. Burhan previously participated in an exchange program of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which influenced his decision to participate in this voluntary service. The greenery and nature around Bochum, like the Kemnader See, have particularly impressed it.

Burhan describes the RUB as a "commuter university" because many German students drive home according to their lectures and do not stay in Bochum. This is in contrast to the French exchange students who live on site. This contributes to the need for his project "Franco-German Spring" (Printemps Franco-Allemand), which aims to strengthen the connections between German and French students.

The project "Franco-German Spring"

As part of his project, Burhan plans various activities, including excursions, café français, search for cafeteria, game evenings, picnic and hikes. These events are intended to help promote an active Franco-German community. He organized the project independently without financial support and founded a WhatsApp group to preserve the exchange and the community after its departure.

Burhan will study in Passau after his volunteer year, where he strives for a double master's degree in business administration as well as marketing and sales. Previously, he acquired a bachelor in applied foreign languages at the University of Rouen in Normandy. He encourages other students to spend one year or a semester abroad, since such experiences are valuable and can often open doors.

Details on the Franco-German voluntary service

The Franco-German voluntary service (DFD) enables young people between the ages of 18 and 25 to perform voluntary services in France or Germany. The aim is to promote commitment to non -profit projects and to support cultural exchange and European mobility. The application deadline for the upcoming DFD runs until March 16, 2025. Interested parties can apply via the platform vfa-in.ofaj.org.

The program offers the volunteers the opportunity to expand their personal and professional skills. The DFD provides for a monthly support of at least 114.85 euros for the operations, which is provided in money or benefits in kind, such as accommodation and meals. In addition, accompanying seminars are also offered that convey intercultural and pedagogical knowledge. The facilities receive support in the search for a French partner facility to promote international cooperation.

The German France Youth Work (DFJW) team is an essential player who is recognized in Germany from the Federal Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth and France by Agence du Service Civique. This support not only promotes exchange, but also brings new ideas and knowledge to the institutions involved.

For everyone who is interested in an intercultural exchange, the DFD has a wide range of options that go far beyond the limits of an academic exchange.