30 years BCGS: A look at Berlin's change to the metropolis!

30 years BCGS: A look at Berlin's change to the metropolis!

Berlin, Deutschland - On July 9, 2025, a very special anniversary will be celebrated. More than 1,000 students from Germany, the USA and many other countries have participated in the exchange program of the Berlin Consortium for German Studies (BCGS). This program has proven to be pioneering in politically highly sensitive times and plays a crucial role in today's educational landscape.

In today's world -shaped world, modern societies place different requirements for training. The john-f.-kenne-institut has realized that intercultural competence and international cooperation are crucial for success on the labor market. Therefore, universities implement internationalization strategies that go far beyond traditional collaborations.

Common study programs and double degree programs are now proven instruments for international university cooperation in Europe. The connection between Germany and North America in particular is still expandable. The Transatlantic Degree Programs Project (TDP), in cooperation with the DAAD, examines the potential of common courses and offers workshops for the spread of such programs, especially with regard to the USA and Canada.

complexity and opportunities

Although joint courses and double degree programs in preparation and implementation are more complex than traditional exchange agreements, they not only offer advantages for universities but also for students. The EU Commission and the US Department of Education recognize the development opportunities, supported by the new Atlantis funding program. The Bologna process also promotes discussions about new forms of organization for foreign studies in bachelor and master's programs.

As part of the TDP workshops, central aspects of such transatlantic courses are discussed, from curricular integration to legal aspects and semester coordination. These workshops are geared towards specialist areas and are aimed at university representatives, student organizations and experts in internationalization in order to improve understanding and acceptance for transatlantic programs.

knowledge from these projects should contribute to the creation of new transatlantic study programs and sustainably promote university cooperation. The TDP project acts as an important exchange platform and moderator.

it remains to be hoped that the positive developments in university formation will continue to make great progress. Because in a constantly changing world, education that thinks beyond national borders is a key to future success.