Views from Bielefeld on NEOLAiA formats
The European University Alliance NEOLAiA offers a range of mobility opportunities: these primarily include innovative short-term stays at European partner universities – such as Focus Academies, Summer schools or Blended intensive programmes.
Here, students and teachers from Bielefeld share their international experiences gained during their NEOLAiA stays in other European countries.
© Bielefeld University »Like a mini-Erasmus«Student Sophie Werning
© Bielefeld University »Getting a feeling for Europe«Student Louis Meier
© Bielefeld University »Learnt to analyse visual media critically«Student Lara Wolters
© private »An international working environment opens up new perspectives«Student Victoria Niermann
© Bielefeld University »Learning new material in an international setting«Students Maline Lüer and Saskia Ebert
Reports on NEOLAiA mobilities
- Student Sophie Werning (Focus Academy in Jaen)
Student Sophie Werning “I enjoyed my semester abroad in Estonia so much that I looked for an opportunity to go abroad again. As I’d never been to Andalusia before and wanted to deepen my knowledge of statistics, the Focus Academy course ‘Data Analytics for Inclusion and Diversity’ at the University of Jaén was just what I was looking for.
We worked with large datasets and statistical methods relating to inclusion and diversity. I was able to apply this new knowledge straight away in my seminar papers. The new statistical knowledge will also be useful for my Bachelor’s thesis, which I’ll be writing soon.
After the courses at the university, we’d always do something together as an international group in the evenings: we went to museums, visited the cathedral, went to an olive farm or watched the sunset together from a viewing platform. By the end of the week, we’d really bonded and were all sad to have to leave.
It was a bit of a challenge for me that most of the locals only spoke Spanish to me. It was a great opportunity for me to practise my Spanish, even though I had to pluck up the courage to just start speaking at first.
A NEOLAiA short-term mobility programme gives you a good insight into university life in another European country. You can get a taste of it for a week – it’s like a mini-Erasmus. Perfect for people who aren’t sure whether a whole semester abroad is right for them.”
Sophie Werning is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and Psychology at Bielefeld University. In the summer semester of 2026, she completed the Focus Academy course ‘Data Analytics for Inclusion and Diversity’. An online phase in June was followed by a one-week on-campus session at the University of Jaén (Spain).
- Student Louis Meier (Summer School in Salerno)
Student Louis Meier "In the course, we first looked at the concept of entrepreneurship from a theoretical perspective. We were then able to put that theory into practice: I particularly enjoyed it when we visited companies in Italy and tried to solve the challenges they faced through a pitch competition.
Apart from the brilliant practical experience, I now feel much more connected to other Europeans, thanks to the great relationships I’ve been able to build with fellow international students. It really gave me a sense of European feeling, a real sense of belonging.
One of the standout moments was definitely the visit to the buffalo farm at Tenuta Vannulo. I also enjoyed the time we students spent together outside the curriculum – going out to bars or to the beach. It was a unique opportunity and experience."
Louis Meier is studying economics at Bielefeld University. In the summer semester of 2026, he took part in a NEOLAiA summer school on the topic of entrepreneurship. Following a two-week online phase, he spent a week at the University of Salerno in Italy.
- Student Lara Wolters (Blended Intensive Programme in Ostrava)
Student Lara Wolters "In the Blended Intensive Programme ‘Visual Competence and Gender in the Digital World’, we explored what we often consume unconsciously in our everyday lives. During the online phase and subsequently on-site in Ostrava, the focus was on critically examining visual media and understanding the responsibilities that come with them. I found the discussions about how social media platforms and AI tools can both challenge and reinforce gender stereotypes particularly fascinating.
We also looked at visual manipulation, fake images and deepfakes, and how quickly such content can become blurred in everyday life – particularly when doomscrolling. I learnt just how important it is not only to look at images, but also to reflect on their context and impact. Ultimately, the course has once again significantly sharpened my perspective on digital media.
It was also great to explore Ostrava together with the other participants – accompanied by delicious local specialities and good conversations outside the seminar. We received a very warm welcome there, so I quickly felt at home. NEOLAiA provided the perfect setting for this: professional exchange, cultural insights and plenty of scope for personal experiences."
Lara Wolters is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Bielefeld University. As part of the NEOLAiA Alliance’s blended intensive programme ‘Visual Competence and Gender in the Digital World’, she took part in the virtual preparatory phase and the on-campus week at the University of Ostrava.
- Student Victoria Niemann (Blended Intensive Programme in Nicosia)
Student Victoria Niemann “The Blended Intensive Programme focused on inclusive living environments. We worked together on a photo project. I particularly remember the lively and diverse exchanges with students from all over Europe. Such a diverse and international working environment creates plenty of scope for new perspectives and approaches.
My favourite moment was sharing a meze meal together on the last evening. It was brilliant to experience this culinary tradition together as the NEOLAiA group. I can only advise other interested students: Go for it! Ask questions and talk about yourselves and your interests. You’ll benefit from valuable exchanges and, along the way, make new friends.”
Victoria Niemann is studying to become a teacher at grammar schools and comprehensive schools, majoring in English and minoring in Mathematics. In May 2026, she took part in the Blended Intensive Programme ‘Eyes Wide Open: Learning to See and Wonder about Possible Inclusive Worlds’, which included a week of practical training at the University of Nicosia (Cyprus).
- Students Maline Lüer and Saskia Ebert (Summer School in Ostrava)
The students Maline Lüer and Saskia Ebert To mark Europe Day 2026, two students, Maline Lüer and Saskia Ebert, have shared their experiences of taking part in a summer school at the University of Ostrava in the Czech Republic. In this interview, they talk about their time at the Czech partner university.
- Teachers Dr Timothy Mc Call, Margit Offermann and Dr Anna Christina Nowak (Blended Intensive Programme in Örebro)
As part of the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) ‘International Perspectives in Higher Education’ at Örebro University (Sweden), Dr Timothy Mc Call (Faculty of Medicine), Margit Offermann (Faculty of Biology) and Dr Anna Christina Nowak (School of Public Health) joined European colleagues to discuss the internationalisation of teaching and higher education pedagogy. Click here to read their report on the experience.
- Teachers Dr Bettina Brandt and Dr des. Anna Horstmann (Blended Intensive Programmes with Örebro, Ostrava and Tours)
Students from several European countries discuss historical narratives together and work on research questions in international teams. This was the focus of the international teaching programmes organised by the two Bielefeld-based historians, Dr Bettina Brandt and Dr des. Anna Horstmann, in collaboration with European colleagues. They have implemented their teaching staff in formats such as Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) and Spring Schools. In this interview, they talk about their experiences.
