Strong international cooperation
In recent years, this joint venture has created numerous opportunities for students and researchers in the field of German studies. For example, annual conferences are organised for young scholars, which is an excellent way to build and maintain a broad international network, both formally and informally.
Moreover, the first three years of the cooperation have already seen six successfully concluded PhD projects, as well as fifteen currently ongoing projects. In 2026, a large international conference on cultural awareness and German as a foreign language will take place in Nijmegen.
Education and exchange
The cooperation also creates opportunities in the field of education. Every semester, students of three universities can participate in joint courses, including a hybrid course that involves all three locations, with one week of classes on site.
Moreover, internships of one to two weeks are offered at the partnered institutions, which is a valuable experience for students of the teacher-trainer Master’s programmes in particular. Longer exchanges are also possible.
Importance for the future of German studies
This cooperation is very valuable to the field, especially given the decline of German studies in Dutch and European contexts. By joining forces and exchanging expert knowledge, the universities involved will continue to offer important contributions to the future of the field.
The funding is granted by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) on behalf of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thanks to this support, universities can continue their fruitful cooperations and further contribute to the international teacher training programmes and research in the field of German as a foreign language