A Look at Peitgens Severance Pay

PAGE 04

Welcome Back Exchange Students

PAGE 08

Arts Olympix
PAGE 06

Jacobs University Student Newspaper Since 2004

PULSE
Wind(t) of Change
Victor E. Frankl

OF THE WORLD
Issue 33 Thursday, March 6, 2014

the

Introducing the New Administration

by Lisa-Marlen Gronemeier
Integrated Cultural Studies 2015, Germany

Letter from the Editor

DEAR READERS, Welcome back to a new semester! We hope you had a nice relaxing break! The POTW is back with its latest issue, and first issue of 2014. A lot has happened over the course of the past few months, both on campus and internationally and in this issue our writers present to you some information and input regarding these events. In the Jacobs Life section, you will find re caps of recent developments both in terms of leadership and also on campus student events and activities. Read a bit about the Chinese New Year Celebration or get to know Radio Achtung, Jacobs very own student-run radio station! Whats more, Jacobs students returning from their semesters abroad have a special section just to share with you stories about their experiences. Outside the Bubble addresses the recent controversial and noteworthy events in various areas, from revolutions to the fight for human rights to Facebooks 10th birthday! Our final section then brings in students personalized expressions of issues regarding Jacobs and other personal experiences. We hope you enjoy the issue, welcome any comments and feedback and wish everyone the best of luck with the semester especially third years. Happy reading! BEST REGARDS, NADINE EL-NABLI

When we are no longer able to change a situation- we are challenged to change ourselves.

es, Jacobs Universitys financial situation is precarious. Donors are turning their backs on us, the media portrays us as battling for our existence or having failed already, and Jacobians are worried about the future of the place they call home. In response to the allegations, rumors and tribulations, the universitys new president, Prof. Katja Windt, has introduced a changing process to make Jacobs financially stable and provide it with a clear profile which is widely visible and recognized in the academic world.

SETTING THE TONE A seeming lifetime ago, on December 11 2013, Pulse of the World held an interview with the then interim president Katja Windt. In essence, President Windt emphasized that living changes are necessary. We are in a dynamic world, so we need to adapt. She elaborated: This is what my discipline is also involved in. In preparing companies, for instance, for change. Permanent change. Costumers are changing and we need to adapt. Not only should Jacobs become more competitive on the academic market and develop a distinct profile to attract students and companies but first and foremost become financially stable. She assured us that the major concern during the change process would be the maintenance of the quality of the academic programs, also in research, for the years to come, emphasizing that she would definitely take care that the services we offer to students will remain as they are and not be suffering from this process. Fundamental research would be maintained to enable students to gain expertise in a field. This expertise should then be developed towards application in the real world by integrating companies in research. According to President
Chinese New Year Celebrations Semester at Sea "Ani Rotsa Hummus The Bubble vs. Paris OUTSIDE THE BUBBLE 10 Years of Facebook The Winter Olympics Gay Rights in Russia 6 8 10 12 13 13 14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

A Wind(t) of Change 1 EDITORIAL Letter from the Editor JACOBS LIFE Radio Achtung Interview Peitgens Severance Pay 1 3 4

News of Ukraine

16

FOOD FOR THOUGHT "I Dare You 17 MIT & JUB Why We Arent Impressed 18 19

An Exchange Year 21
Find Us on Facebook or Catch Up at www.pulseoftheworld.com

02 Jacobs Life
Windt, Jacobs thus pursues a win-win situation, in which the university gains revenues from the cooperation with industry, which in turn receives in- and output from Jacobs students. In this light, the question arises if all study programs offered can be preserved or if we can focus on topics from which we expect more money. A FORUM FOR DIALOGUE? Under the heading of Towards a viable future & academic primeness the new university president opened a Dialogue Forum on February 11 to inform the student body about the strategy plan, approved by the Board of Governors the previous day. In the plan, the framework for the restructuring of Jacobs University is set: [1] Development of a clear profile by inaugurating three academic focus areas (food, mobility, diversity & unity). [2] Emphasis on existing strengths: internationality and transdisciplinarity. [3] Increase of efficient organization with a two-person leadership team, three focus area deans, and 5 administrative units. [4] Significant increase of income, e.g. from external scholarships, donations, and research grants. Increase of the sale of profitable products, e.g. executive education, research transfer. Consideration of market demands.The finances: significant income increases and cost savings, gain revenues, 2018: balanced budget, high employability of students [5] Reduction of personnel costs by 23% and operational costs by 13%. Improve effectiveness of all processes and operations. The outcome of the new strategy is held to be a strong institution with a clear profile, with prolific partnerships and stable finances. To achieve this, however, concessions must be made. According to the president, the university needs to break with the beloved traditions that inhibit financial betterment and redefine its academic and structural character. The broad spectrum of study programs cannot continue existing in its current form as financial sustainability and high employability are subverted, she explained. President Windt emphasized that the changing process leaves no room for daydreaming but requires a strict focus and prioritization according to the framework and economic efficiency. To set the tone for further discussion and the students engagement, the president underlined that we are one university whose bodies have to collaborate in the change process and proclaimed: Let us prove that we are on the right track and a role model for a private, independent, successful university. EnVISIONing2018 The USG and GSA invited 15 interested students to participate in the leaderships change management workshops named Vision 2018. The workshops are described as gearing towards the clear elaboration of the universitys future with regards to the given framework. The first workshops took place on February 18 and 19, the ensuing are taking place on February 26 and 27. To lay the groundwork for the discussion, Katja Windt pointed to Jacobs previous achievements and assets and revealed its prevalent deficiencies: the lack of a clear focus and a stable financial base. After having presented the points upheld by the Board of Governors, the consultants Markus Baumanns and Sebastian Litta introduced and channeled the group discussions. The questions outlined below were to be answered first individually and subsequently in a panel. The points that were predominantly raised are summarized. [1] In 2018, Jacobs University is Students, staff and faculty insist that Jacobs University builds on its distinct key features (internationality, transdisciplinarity, research orientation) and continues advocating its core values (e.g. need-blind basis) and approaches (e.g. low professor-student ratio, inclusion of all levels of degrees). It should remain an all-inspiring place, offering excellent education, which still attracts talented and diverse students and researchers from all over the world and turns them into global leaders of tomorrow. Jacobs should, however, be able to call itself a proud survivor of financial difficulties and be financially stable without being soulless (overcommercialized). It should thus sustain a healthy balance between research reputation, teaching quality and industry orientation. Being a flexible institution with transparent and rapid adjustment and change processes driven by all university bodies, Jacobs should establish itself as a globally recognized, leading university whose research, publications, and starring alumni have a great impact on Bremen, Germany, Europe and the world. [2] Focus Areas (Food, mobility, diversity & unity) will be internationally visible The great majority of participants pronounced against the outlined focus areas. Whereas some argued in favor of a modification or extension, others wanted to replace or completely abolish them. The participants agreed that the foci, whatever they will be, should be interpreted dynamically and with respect to the diverse program landscape. Food & health, mobility & energy, diversity & sustainability was one proposal as to how to make the foci more encompassing and relevant. As an alternative to the named focus areas, participants suggested that they should be major specific to allow for higher specialization in the different fields, according to the expertise of the respective staff. The university could build on existing and outstanding research that already exists here and develop a clearer profile within the programs. [3] In 2018 a Jacobs education is marked by The answers were guided by personal experience and a consideration of the abovementioned points. According to the participants, a Jacobs education is marked by a unique atmosphere in class and on campus (global village), by the chance to openly pursue research outside of the three focus areas and by knowledge and awareness that crosses fixed boundaries. A Jacobs education provides the students with a holistic view on relevant global issues and is focused on humanistic and personality development. Jacobs will still have excellent curricula that dynamically adapt to new challenges and will be shaped by a close cooperation between students, faculty and staff. Moreover, Jacobs will be the gateway to the German and worldwide job market. [4] The relationship between Jacobs University and the Free City of Bremen. All participants put emphasis on a strengthened relationship between the university and the city. The two entities should be closely working together, leading to a better public image of JUB and a stronger sense of integration among

Jacobs Life 03
the students and should hence be mutually profitable. Researchers, students and alumni can contribute greatly to the work of local institutions, companies, and non-profit organizations. Jacobs and Bremen should become strategic partners in establishing a unique city of research and by jointly addressing issues of regional, national and international relevance. Bremen attracts and receives highly qualified and motivated students from a plethora of countries and is proud to be home to a unique university. [5] The university generates more income by / The administration is marked by According to the participants, Jacobs University should aim at generating more income by inaugurating industryrelated research projects, by strengthening executive programs and my applying for EU-funding and sponsorships. Jacobs should seek support of more donors who subscribe to Jacobs values, mission and academic profile by strengthening fundraising campaigns and resort to its promising alumni network. The exchange with other universities should be heightened and summer schools should be offered. Income could furthermore be increased by attaining top-rankings of study programs. The administration in 2018, according to the participants, is marked by a high intrinsic motivation and commitment to the university, is composed of flexible working groups of experts, which can ad hoc face organizational and strategic challenges. By having a clear allocation of decision responsibilities, quick decision making is facilitated. Moreover, the administration interacts with students, faculty and staff on a daily basis and involves them in all important decision making processes, giving their voice foremost priority. Thus far have the workshops proceeded. In the upcoming ones, fields of actions will be determined and the implementation discussed. To what extent the painted vision can be poured into the supposedly fixed framework remains to be seen. ROLLING STONE What the hell is happening? Jacobs University is being transformed, reinvented, and newly coined while its students are bouncing back and forth between East Hall, Coffee Bar and Research IV. The plethora of assignments, presentations and quizzes hardly leaves room for an in-depth reading of the newest leadership letter. Vision2018 participants and ESS students, having caught fire after a professors proclamation that personnel costs are going to be cut considerably, assembled to discuss further proceedings on the part of the student body. Within two days, the involved students raised a storm of propaganda for the information and discussion session on the ongoing change process: the flyers, posters and class room and servery speeches could not evade anyones attention. At 7pm on February 21, the initiators efforts bore fruit: Around 150 students invaded the IRC East Wing, bringing their concerns, enthusiasm and input. The forum, initiated by students and facilitated by the USG, aimed at providing the student body with more direct information about the change process, giving insight into the workshops and collecting concerns and opinions to let the students voice be heard in the further discussion in Vision2018. Moderated by Leonie Reese, the discussion carried on for two hours, revealing controversies and immanent accordances: the points that had been raised by the workshop participants were widely confirmed and extended by the contributors. This student initiated forum shows the necessity of open dialogue and discloses that the first steps towards exerting influence begins when a critical mass of people comes together to debate over an issue that concerns everyone. A Student body position on the Jacobs University Change Process was developed on the basis of the assembly, highlighting student priorities, student input with regard to the necessary change, and students concerns. The manifesto was sent to the community on February 24 and should not go straight to deleted items folder, either on exchange or in the minds of involved parties. Students, faculty and staff have spoken. The Jacobs University vision for the change plan will be published on March 7. Will our voice be included? Or will it serve as a legitimization for long-decided proceedings? Jacobs is challenged to change itself and it is on us to make sure it is a change for the better. The voice of the students must pave the way to Jacobs Universitys future and not vaporize in the face of predetermining decisions, pressing time, and a watchful public.

MEET THE STAFF

Editor-In-Chief Nadine El-Nabli Executive Board Members Franziska Ehlert Sarah Reitz Section Editors Lisa-Marlen Gronemeier Beenish Waris Emre Yildiz Copy Editors Christopher Michael Casebeer Helena Gellersen Paola Solimena Layout Designer Ciara Mulvaney

An Interview
by Yingzhao Zhu
Integrated Social Studies 2015, China

Radio Achtung

adio Achtung, the leading Ja cobs student run campus broadcast station, is back with a daily fiesta of music and shows for every one. Today, POTW is glad to inter view the person in charge of Radio Achtung, Hauke Ziessler, to receive some deeper information about Ra dio Achtung. Hauke agreed to do the interview quite frankly and provid ed us with lots of information. Why is it called Radio Achtung and what is the history of the show? HAUKE ZIESSLER: Well, the radio ex ists since the university set up. At first it was called I-wave, and lat er on it was, in cooperation with a local radio station, called radioves er.tv. It kind of died sometime in between the past few years because of technical problems, but now it is back. Regarding the name, I dont know what exactly lies behind it. Perhaps its supposed to emphasize the internationality of Jacobs Uni versity. Also, Achtung in German

04 Jacobs Life
means watch out or warning. Can you briefly introduce this se mesters programs and shows to us? HZ: This semesters programs will mainly focus on different types of music shows and DJ sets. There will be a fact show called Did you know?, which is mainly about the things people think they know but actually dont. I myself have a talk show called tea and biscuits, which is a funny show with some humors, special poetry, and live music. There will also be a Scottish show present ing Scottish heritage, and our DJ, Calum, will mainly do some acoustic stuff. Also, there will be a new show by an exchange student from Lafay ette. I always want to keep the radio open for any type of show. What is your show Tea and Biscuits about? HZ: Yes. Im doing this show with Louis, who is half French and half British. Both of us enjoy talking, and we have similar tastes. We usually start with joking with each other, and in our show we just do like a gentlemen show, two guys sitting together with newspapers and talk ing about some funny headlines. For example, in our last show, we read a headline that showed that in the USA, most people actually died from lightening rather than from terror ism, and then we started to talk about the ludicrousness in the USA. What genres of music does the station usually cover? HZ: I always stick to the idea to keep the radio open, but we want qual ity music, so we mainly focus on the types of music that people dont usu ally hear, for example, D-pulse, In di-rock, techno, dubstep, drum and bass, and even some EDM (electrical dance music). Since you took charge of the station this year, have there been any important changes to note? HZ: Yes. So last semester because of the technical problems, we started pretty late in the semester, but now we are getting support from a local radio station and we plan better, so we are excited for this semesters show and we hope our audience is excited, too. Last semester we heard some positive feedback from the listeners, so we are going to do the shows better in this motivation. This semester we have a big plan, which is to have a radio show on a proper radio in cooperation with a local ra dio, which means its outreach can be much wider than just on Jacobs campus people can also listen to our shows when they are driving or in the places with broadcast. Since Radio Achtung is probably the most convenient electrical communication from campus, have you thought about inviting clubs, organizations or other parties to join? HZ: So, we want to get the faculty involved into the radio as well by doing some shows with certain topics that are common among faculty and students, along with some docu mentaries. For example, the crisis in Ukraine now could be a good top ic for the faculty to do some talks based on their knowledge and points of view. I also want to start a talk show about Mandela, but in a dif ferent way I will focus on the key figures that impacted him in his life. I believe he wouldnt have been this influential if there hadnt been those people that turned his life around at some point. This could get both fac ulty and students involved as well. Whats more, we are going to get the school orchestra involved. For ex ample, we are going to record some of their concerts. Do you have any expectations or other plans for this semester? HZ: Yes. Beside the cooperation with the local radio, we are also going to have a Radio Achtung party, in which some of our main DJs will play the music for the evening. It is clear that many of the people on campus dont even know about the radio, so we are holding this party to get Radio Achtung more known by going out and touching people with our music. We need a nice fan base to run the radio and we are trying to attract more people, with which the party will help. Finally, do you have anything you want to say to the readers? HZ: Yes. If anyone or any organiza tion is interested in doing a show with us, please contact me. Im al ways open for new ideas.

Contact Hauke Ziessler at h.ziessler@jacobs-university.de if you want to do a show with Radio Achtung.

Peitgens Severance Pay

by Trevor Sloughter
Geosciences PhD 2015, USA

n January 2014, it came out that exPresident Heinz Otto Peitgen would receive 800 thousand euro severence pay. Almost instantly there was an outcry from nearly all the Jacobs community. Exactly why is still unknown, but the events leading up to his resignation may shed some light on how precisely this came about. Having just begun his term earlier that February, Peitgen announced his resignation as President of Jacobs University on

6 November 2013. It was a tumultuous time, and the outgrowth of a long period of growing distrust towards the president and other higher-ups in administration. Staff and faculty had long been suspicious or even outright resentful of Peitgens policies and behavior, while students were increasingly protesting poor communication and a lack of involvement in decisions. Eventually it reached the point where even some of Peitgens appointees were said to be unable to work with him. Thus, after a Board of Governors meeting on 5 November, it was announced

that Peitgen would be stepping down at the end of the year, purportedly due to differences in opinion on the future of the university. Of course rumours swirl, but as it is known that Peitgen had a habit of shouting and yelling at those who disagreed with him (be they students or staff), and showed preferential treatment for staff who aided his causes, even slight "differences may have counted for major obstacles in basic administration. Why then 800 thousand? With the details of the contract strictly secret, it may never be known, but as this is the salary

Jacobs Life: USG 101 05

he would have made had he completed his final four years as president, it could be renumeration for him agreeing to resign gracefully. Peitgen claims he made no demands for the money in the negotiations of his termination. Hastily, both students and faculty began drafting letters to protest the move. Faculty worked on a letter to the community with the possibility of it being open. Students began work on a letter to Peitgen himself, imploring him to donate the money to Jacobs. Work on both documents ceased, however, when it was revealed he did intend to donate. In an interview with Radio Bremen dated 19 January, Peitgen expressed his belief that the money- or the half of it left after income taxes- should be donated. It is important to note that Peitgen merely said he believes the money should be donated to Jacobs, and in other interviews and speeches has left open where the money will go.
Brought to You By the Academic Affairs Committee

Chinese New Year Celebrations 2014

by Shijia Zhang
Integrated Cultural Studies 2015, China

The Year of the Horse

day is for welcoming of the deities of the heavens and earth and officially begins at midnight. According to Chinese mythology, a Nian is a beast that attacks people, preferably children, every spring or around lunar New Year. Nians weakness is sensitivity to loud noises, and fear of the color Red. Ancient Chinese people protect themselves by lighting fireworks, burning bamboo sticks and firecrackers to make as much of a din as possible to chase off the evil spirits as encapsulated by Nian. Another important costume is to display the character Fu meaning good fortune or happiness. The characters are generally printed on a square piece of paper in red. The practice is universal among Chinese people, regardless of regional and socioeconomic differences, and dates back to at least over a millennium. With the development of society, it not only aims to scare away Nian, but also to wish a prosperous year. The celebration on campus consisted of four parts. It began with the workshop in the servery of Krupp College and lasted about an hour and half. Organizers tried to prepare as many different activities as possi-

pring is approaching and the Chinese New Year Celebration 2014 is coming to campus soon! Chinese New Year is the longest and the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. Meanwhile, it is also one of the most historical celebrations at Jacobs. Chinese New Year is also called Xin Chun which means the new spring in Chinese. Its Chinese name illustrates its horal significance: New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the first lunar month of the year and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. According to Chinese calendar, a 12-year-cycle of animals makes up the Chinese zodiac. Year 2014 is the year of the Horse, taking over from the year of the Snake. In the year of 2014, the Chinese New Years Eve was January 30 because it was the last day of a lunar calendar of last year. It is also called Chu Xi in Chinese which means the evening of the passing. At that time, all family members gather for their annual reunion dinner. The first

ble to bring out various aspects of Chinese culture. Cultural performances including dance, music, and kung fu show took place at Krupp College common room. Afterwards, fireworks took place at the football field. Fireworks are a vital part of traditional Chinese New Year celebration they relate to the original purpose of this celebration to scare away the Nian. In modern understanding, it is a symbol of the triumph of good over evil and is used to wish people a shining starting point into a new year. Towards the end of the event, the big Chinese cuisine in the IRC East Wing and the Foyer was opened, welcoming the guests with delicious Chinese food from different regions of China.

Siddharth Shukla and Ngoc Linh Nguyen dress-up for the festivities.

06 Jacobs Life

Arts Olympix 2014

Results of the Weekend C3
MERC ATOR MERCATOR

C3
NORDMETALL

C3 2 ND
MERCATOR

3 RD DANCE BATTLE

1 ST

2 ND

NORDMETALL

3 RD CANVAS PAINTING

1 ST

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

3 RD

1 ST

KRUPP

2 ND

RIGHT: Mercator celebrates their win by lounging on the trophy. BELOW: Salome Sukhishvili helps Nordmetall reach a masterpiece in the Cavas Painting Race.

Photo Credit Nick Lee

Photo Credit Alena Di Primio

Photo Credit Nick Lee

Photo Credit Suizhi Wu

ABOVE: C3 closes there final act during the Lip Sync competition RIGHT: Krupp represents at the Fashion Show

MERCATOR

1 ST C3 2 ND 3 RD FASHION SHOW

KRUPP
MERC ATOR

C3 3 RD 1 ST MOVIE
NORDMETALL

NORDMETALL

2 ND

C3 3 RD

1 ST

KRUPP

2 ND

LIP SYNC

Total Results Provided by the Arts Olympix Committee Krupp=1277, C3=1310, Mercator=1320, and Nordmetall=1227

Jacobs Life 07

Catch Up on the Latest News and Results A Football Interview

Mens Basketball
Last Game Results: 09 February

The Sports Desk

Mens Football
Last Game Results: 08 February

by Darlina Mamaqi

ello Jacobs students, professors, and everyone else who is part of Jacobss international community. I hope you had a great winter break with your dearest people. I wish you an awesome start of 2014 full of joy, but also strength to overcome dif ficulties. This semester, more inter views with captains of our represen tative sport teams will follow; lets get to know them a bit better. The following is an interview with Tom Suberg, the captain of mens football team. Enjoy! How did your passion for football be gin? Well, it is normal for Germans to play football. My elder brother used to play and I joined him when I was thirteen years old. Have you been a member of football clubs before you came to Jacobs? I have been playing football ever since I was thirteen and I have been part of clubs since then. I have regu larly gone to practices and matches, except the time I was injured. As a captain, what is your overall opinion about the team of 2013? We had new players in summer, which was good. But we had problems with the player passes because we only had a few just two or three. I hope this year we will get more player passes, so the team will improve. How was the team performance in 2013? It was not as good as the years before, but we managed to stay stable in the league in the 8th position from 12 in total. What changes do you expect from your team and the upcoming matches this semester? We need to be more focused when we play, and we will have greater chances to win more games than last semester. We have to focus on win ning as a team, and I believe we are going to achieve this goal.

Foundation Year, Albania

JACOBS

45:60

BIERDENBASSEN-ACHIM

JACOBS

1:3

ATS BUNTENTOR II

Womens Basketball
Last Game Results: 09 February

Womens Football
Last Game Results: 09 February

JACOBS

25:118

BG89 ROTENBURG

JACOBS

2:5

VSK OSTERHOLZSCHARMBECK

08 February 2014

Jacobs ErgoCup 2014

MENS EIGHT 2000M Jacobs 6:46.9 HSBA 6:36.7

Jacobs vs. HSBA

WOMENS DOUBLE, 1000M Jacobs 3:50.5 HSBA 3:53.0 WOMENS FOUR, 1000M Jacobs 3:37.9 HSBA 3:48.7

ADH MENS FOUR, 1000M Jacobs 3:22.15 HSBA 3:15.7

ADH WOMENS FOUR, 1000M Jacobs 3:54.9

Photo Source Alexandru Mihai

08 Jacobs Life: Stories from Abroad

Jacobs All Across the World

by Sarah Reitz

Meant the World to Me

A Semester at Sea
by Daniela Kriegebaum
Integrated Social Sciences 2014, Germany

ou might have known that Jacobs University unites more than 110 nationalities on its residential campus. What might be new for you is how many Jacobs students spread their wings and fly to a different country, a different city & a different university for an exchange semester. These students tried to sum up their adventures in one sentence in order to give you an impression of life outside the bubble. If you are curious about their statement, want to know more about a certain university or just discovered your own dream-exchange-program, dont be shy! Just approach these brave travelers, they will be more than happy to share their experiences with you.

Integrated Social & Cognitive Psychology 2014, Germany

alling asleep and waking up to the rocking of the ship, writing papers and studying outside to the sound of the waves, watching incredible sunsets and sunrises, getting excited about jumping dolphins in my classes, having lunch outside with a professor learning about his research in Latin America, making some incredible friends and visiting 15 of the most beautiful countries in the world, this has been my life for 113 days. I never seriously considered spending a semester abroad because I knew that I would not be able to decide on one specific country that I would call my home for 4 months. It was more by chance that I found out about this amazing-sounding program called Semester at Sea. It did not take long before I was certain that this would be the perfect match for me because I could combine my love for travelling and experiencing different cultures with taking interesting courses. Already by looking at the mission statement I was convinced that such semester would be a great complement for my Jacobs experience. It reads: To educate students with the global understanding necessary to address the challenges of our interdependent world. With the world as our classroom, our unique shipboard program integrates multiple-country study, interdisciplinary coursework, and hands-on field experiences for meaningful enga-

gement in the global community. My adventure started in late August and the floating university, the ship MV Explorer became my new home. The Semester at Sea Program is administered by the Institute for Shipboard Education and its academic sponsor is the University of Virginia. My voyage marked the 50th year anniversary. The atmosphere on the ship was very special and also reminded me of the Jacobs bubble with the slight difference that you could not escape from it in the middle of the ocean. 570 students, 40 professors with their families, staff and lifelong learners (senior citizens who wanted to share this adventure with us) made up the unique shipboard community in addition to 200 crew members that cared for our safety and wellbeing. At the beginning it seemed quite surreal that I would have to take classes on a ship but it quickly became clear that it was indeed a university where I had to do work. We had a huge library, small classrooms and a multipurpose hall for lectures, presentations and other events. Whilst on sea, we had alternating A and B days on which we had the same classes every day. In total I could choose from 80 different ones and all of my professors incorporated aspects of the country we were about to visit into their respective courses. On land we had one mandatory field excursion for each of our courses, for example I was able to visit the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court with my International Law class. Besides that we

Johanna Mogwitz
St. Petersburg State University

University of Edinburgh

Brd Drange

Harvard University (USA)

Karim Galal

Carnegie Mellon University (USA)

Carmela Acevedo

Going to Russia initially seemed like a big challenge, but I was never happier that I accepted this challenge.

A brilliant real-life experience in a beautiful and old city amidst impressive hills and with the friendly and exciting Scots as my hosts.

Amazing education, access to the world, and a wonderful time in the United States.

An exciting place to experience the future of computer science.

Jacobs Life: Stories from Abroad 09

were free to explore the countries on our own or join the various field programs that were offered by Semester at Sea. Besides all the academic work many events took place. Similar to APS courses, we could attend several workshops about career opportunities or grad school applications and the professors prepared us with presentations about culture, history and politics for the countries we sailed to. One evening before we docked in a country we had a mandatory logistical meeting in which we got to know all about the location of the ship, access to public transport, currency exchange, emergency numbers and many more things. I also enjoyed the Talent show, movie nights, Sea Olympics and of course the traditional Neptune Day. This special ceremony takes place when the equator is crossed and even the captain takes place in it. It is a lot of fun especially when everyone has to kiss a smelly fish. I also had an extended family and a life-long learner adopted me and some other students as his children. We often played games, ate ice cream or simply chatted about our experiences with each other. Another highlight was Archbishop Desmond Tutu who came onboard in South Africa and talked to us about the capability of young people to change the world for the better. He was probably one of the most, if not THE most, inspiring person I have met in my life. Of course I did not forget that I still lived on a ship and frequent early morning lifeboat drills or the waves causing signs of seasickness helped to remind me of this fact. If you think you need alcohol for walking zick-zack, try walking down the hallway in a straight line on a ship with high waves. From the countries England, Germany,

Belgium, France, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Bahamas and the United States we visited, I cannot really tell which one I liked most. I had amazing experiences with friends and locals in each country and they were all great in their own ways. Cuba was definitely a highlight, since Semester at Sea returned to Havana for the first time in 9 years again and it was very interesting and special for me to take part in the excitement of my American friends, since without an educational license they would not have been able to enter Cuba. Semester at Sea taught me more than I have yet grasped and it is difficult to really convey how much I gained from it. I have become more aware and openminded about global issues and different cultures and where I had been a little shy in approaching strangers, I now know that you learn the most valuable insights

from them. From now on I will always approach a country as a traveller and not a tourist, a big difference! I see, listen and understand the world differently. I can also say that in the end it was really the people that made my experience unforgettable. I met the most inspiring people, made the best friends and by travelling the world we all grew together in ways I had never dreamed of. I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to do a Semester at Sea and I recommend it to each and everyone. I would do it all over again tomorrow. If you are interested in learning more about it and considering it as your semester abroad, I am planning to hold an info session soon. Of course you can contact me at d.kriegbaum@jacobs-university.de

Addissou Striegel
Science Po Menton

Timo Bremer
East China Normal University

National University of Singapore

Xiang Zhang

Hebrew University Jerusalem

Anna Brown

In one week in Menton I experienced more of life than in two years at Jacobs.

An expedition through a jungle of politico-economic diversity revealing evolutionary principles hardly observable in Buchenmischwald.

It was an inspiring exposure to Singapore, its neighboring countries and real life as well as an exciting experience in getting to know other exchangers and myself better.

Jerusalem is contradiction, a condensed collection of the crazy country that is Israel.

10 Jacobs Life: Stories from Abroad

A Beautiful Adventure in the Middle East

by Sarah Reitz

Ani rotsa Hummus!

When it became clear that I would spend my exchange semester in Herzliya, a small town north of Tel Aviv, the reactions I received ranged from Congratulations, you must be so excited! to Dont you have any alternatives? Looking back at my stay in this country of contradictions, I could not be happier to have chosen Israel as my temporary home. It is very difficult to describe Israels overall atmosphere. Already when arriving at the airport, Inga and I were confronted with the vast diversity of people that live together in a very small piece of land: Business men, orthodox Jews, Arabs, soldiers, families returning from vacation trips and tourists were all making the line with us to enter Israel. It is exactly this variety of individuals that make up Israels unique character. Our semester at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya started off on the right foot with a trip to the Negev Desert and the Dead Sea during orientation week. While climbing the old fortification Masada, sleeping in Bedouin tents or floating in the Dead Sea we had the chance to get to know our fellow students and form our first impression of the country. One aspect about Israel that one cannot help but notice is how much it changes even

Integrated Social & Cognitive Psychology2014, Germany

Couldnt you chose a less dangerous country?

Falafel, Hummus & Pita - A typical lunch in the streets of Tel Avivs Shuk Photo Source Sarah Reitz

if one covers only short distances. Travelling one hour from the modern metropolis Tel Aviv to Jerusalem with its beautiful ancient city center feels like entering an entirely different world. Crossing the entire country from North to South will only take approximately five hours but one will come across mountains that carry snow in winter, botanic gardens, and a desert and finally end up at the Red Sea with its impressive coral reefs. As the IDC Herzliya is an international university that follows the Zionist philo-

sophy, religion was a very present topic in our everyday-life in Herzliya. The majority of our friends was Jewish and engaged in Jewish customs and holidays. Instead of being an exclusive community, however, we were always integrated and learned a lot about Judaism and Zionism. Celebrating Hanukkah (Festival of Lights) or coming together for a Shabbat dinner on a Friday night were certainly those events that brought us closer together and enabled us to understand the Israeli culture a little better. On the other hand, Israelis were always very curious about our home

Benjamin Scher
IE Madrid University

Rice University (USA)

Ciprian Blindu

University of Capetown

Seinab Bohsung

Mareile Wiegmann
Rice University (USA)

Being in your exchange semester is like living in a candy store. Every morning you wake up to see what sweet things life can offer you.

The Jacobs Exchange Program is definitely worth a shot. It helped me go outside my comfort zone and have a wonderful experience in the US.

Lain between two oceans and surrounded by mountains, Cape Town is the perfect city to combine studies with outdoor activities.

The semester at Rice allowed me to specialize and choose from a wide range of courses but it was also very similar to Jacobs (just bigger and sunnier).

Jacobs Life: Stories from Abroad 11

country, traditional customs and the student life in Germany. Finding out that we were not Jewish or had Jewish relatives but still showed an interest in Israel took most of our acquaintances by surprise: Out of all countries, why did you choose Israel? While this was definitely not an easy question to answer, it stirred most of the fascinating conversations and discussions I had during my exchange semester. During Christmas time I once found myself in a friends apartment teaching them how to prepare Bratpfel & Glhwein (baked apples and hot wine) while being explained the meaning of the traditional Jewish clothing. Nevertheless, we were of course curious to get to know the other perspective in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While our Israeli friends discouraged us from travelling to Palestine and the West Bank, these experiences are certainly amongst the most valuable ones of our exchange semester. One does only begin to grasp the meaning of the political conflict when passing through a checkpoint and meeting the tremendously different population on the other side. Visiting Ramallah, a Palestinian city in the central West Bank made us encounter the Arabic culture with all its colors, noises and vividness. Yet again we were welcomed with open arms, asked for the purpose of our stay and complimented on our curiosity to visit their city. A very fitting description of the city is represented by the caf Stars & Bucks located at the central Manara Square where one can enjoy a coffee and smoke shisha while having a great view on Ramallah. The mix of a cosmopolitan city and the vibrant Middle Eastern atmosphere is what makes up this unique place. While I was a bit sad not to be able to see my family on Christmas, this Christmas Eve in Israel was probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although Christmas is not celebrated in the Jewish community, Jerusalem attracts many pilgrims who want to celebrate Christmas Eve in a very spiritual atmosphere. Attending a multilingual Christmas service in Jerusalems Church of the Redeemer was a very festive experience that made up for the lack of Christmas atmosphere during the beginning of December. Afterwards, all the churchgoers met outside to take a night walk to Bethlehem visiting the historical birthplace of Jesus Christ. This very special Christmas Eve was lastly perfected by being able to watch the sunrise from one of Jerusalems rooftops in the Old City. Studying in a foreign country for an entire semester probably always stirs the ambition not to manifest oneself as a tourist within the first few minutes when talking to local people. Although our motivation to learn Hebrew was very high in the first few weeks, we slowly but surely had to admit that the bus driver and maybe the man selling our favorite falafel & hummus dish were the only ones who did not question our language skills. Nevertheless, it is astonishing how much we can adapt in an unknown environment: While having to ask for directions to our own university in the beginning, we found ourselves bargaining with the taxi drivers or the phone company at the end of our stay (sometimes involving hands, feet and a lot of confusion). What am I taking from this exchange semester? Diving in the Red Sea. Floating in the Dead Sea. Bargaining in Jerusalems Shuk. Falling in love with hummus & mint lemonade. New Years Eve in Tel Aviv. Strolling through Bethlehem at night. Discovering the Sea of Galilee and the Gamla Falls. Riding a camel on top of the Mount of Olives. Apart from these unforgettable memories, the semester in Israel left me with a whole new perspective on politics, culture and religion. Once you start shaking off the fear of not fitting in and step out of your comfort zone, a change of environment can be a powerful, astonishing and enriching challenge. One day I hope to be able to continue my Israel adventure.

Jan-David Fiebrantz
University of Edinburgh

Nina Martin
AUC Amsterdam

IDC Herzliya (Israel)

Inga Nehlsen

Carnegie Mellon University (USA)

Daniel Hasegan

Edinburgh, the fair and sincere, town of two seasons, warm-hearted and large-minded, its scent of malt and its people a wee nicer than the folks over in Glasgow or Perth.

Theres nothing this in Bremen.

like

My semester abroad was a truly intercultural experience in a really fascinating, intense and multifaceted country with amazing open and welcoming people!

Wow- very impressed. Such an opportunity.

12 Jacobs Life: Stories from Abroad

The Bubble vs. Paris

A Semester Abroad
by Helena Kreiensiek
International Politics and History 2014, Germany

aris: Eiffel Tower, croissants, wine, love, street musicians. Those are probably the first clichs that come to ones mind thinking about Paris. Maybe the falling in love part is not 100% guaranteed - but the rest definitely is! Deciding whether or not to go abroad is a difficult question. Academic obligations at Jacobs and the fear of not graduating on time often make us hesitate to engage in the new and unknown such a semester would offer. Having to adapt to a new environment again, leaving our close friends behind, questions such as when am I going to do my mandatory internship?, these are all things every Jacobs student willing to go abroad is struggling with. However, learning a new language in its country of origin and learning about a different culture through first-hand experience are strong arguments. The opportunity to experience something new should be taken advantage of! And thats exactly what I did. Taking courses in English but also in French, finding my way through the urban jungle of Paris and making friends

with the Frenchies wasnt too easy in the beginning. Once I got a foot into the French lifestyle though it became a very enjoyable semester. I explored the city, met interesting people and discovered the touristy as well as the alternative scene of Paris. One thing I got to admire the most was Paris affinity for art culture and history. Did you know that nearly all museums and cultural sites are for free for EU students up to the age of 25? Pretty awesome since this taught me to appreciate Monet, Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo even more. After two years of bubble life non-stop it was good to take a break and experience a different school system. I must admit I felt like I needed some distance from Jacobs: Academics 24/7 and little things like missing vacuum cleaners do get annoying after two years. However, even though I was having a great time in Paris I realized at some point that in fact I missed the Jacobs life. Returning from the semester abroad I see again how much we are actually offered here [and how dear this place has become to me]. Comparing the fruitful class discussions and the accessibility of professors and administration of Jacobs with Sciences Po, I got to realize on what a personal basis our university functions. In light of the semester abroad

I now perceive the Jacobs life differently: I remembered that one of the reasons why I came here was that Jacobs is not an old university with well-established traditions and rules but a university in which the student voice receives attention and weight. At the same time I also appreciate the opportunity I had to live in a metropolis like Paris and experience la vie Parisienne. In view of my personal, academic and professional future I truly believe it was a great gain to spend a semester at Science Po, but at the same time it also feels good to be back home.

Paris is untouchable - You walk through the beauty of parisian life and if youre lucky, you get to taste a bit of it - but becoming part of it is an endless challenge.
Franziska Ehlert Sciences Po Paris, France

Walking through the streets of Paris being overwhelmed and offended by lattitude parisienne and then, after some time, suddenly realizing that you yourself have become part of the city and start being a parisienne in your own way.
Lisa Mueller-Dormann Sciences Po Paris, France

Outside the Bubble 13

The Story of Likes, Pokes and Friend Requests

Facebooks Tenth Birthday
friends from back home who, of course, have to be updated on the college life on a regular basis. Furthermore, Facebook serves as a stalking tool as students agree uniformly. For the purpose of Facebooks anniversary, Zuckerberg held a speech reflecting on the intentions he had when founding Facebook: Today is Facebooks 10th anniversary. Its been an amazing journey so far, and Im so grateful to be a part of it. Its rare to be able to touch so many peoples lives, and I try to remind myself to make the most of every day and have the biggest impact I can. People often ask if I always knew that Facebook would become what it is today. No way. I remember getting pizza with my friends one night in college shortly after opening Facebook. I told them I was excited to help connect our school community, but one day someone needed to connect the whole world. I always thought this was important giving people the power to share and stay connected, empowering people to build their own communities themselves. During the birthday week, many users posted so-called Look back-

by Alina Nth

International Politics and History 2016, Germany

he fourth of February is the birthday of many people. Civil rights activist Rosa Parks or also the former German chancellor Ludwig Erhard were born on this day. This year, another important contemporary celebrated its tenth birthday on 4th February: Facebook. Exactly ten years ago, in 2004, Mark Zuckerberg, student at Harvard University, launched a website named Thefacebook.com. At that time, it was actually supposed to be a communication medium for the students of this university. Soon after that, the page expanded and could from then on be used from everyone. Now ten years later, Mark Zuckerberg built up an imperium with 6000 employees and his renamed website Facebook has 1.23 billion users and gains a yearly revenue of 7.9 billion U.S. dollars. Around 80% of all users live outside the USA and Canada. Students at Jacobs University depend on Facebook as it is used for communication, especially in terms of group work. The social network is essential for keeping in touch with

Photo Source Siliconangle.com

videos in which their time on Facebook was summarized. Facebook passed through years of prosperity. In 2010, Mark Zuckerbergs success story was even made into a movie called The Social Network. Two years later, the former student project turned into a stock corporation. Zuckerberg is overwhelmed by this amazing achievement and fantastic result. Facebooks story is by far not over yet and users all over the world are looking forward to the years to come.

The Winter Olympics

by Chris Casebeer
Intercultural 2016, USA

Sochi 2014

Relations

and

Behavior

n 2007 Russia was accepted as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Fast forward to today and all eyes are on Russia as they host their second ever Olympic Games. The last time Russia (then the USSR) hosted the Olympics was during the summer Olympic Games of 1980 in Moscow. Even before the games officially began this winter, nations and athletes alike have been swept up in the drama and excitement that comes along with one of the worlds largest sporting events. THE ROAD TO SOCHI

Bobsledders of the Caribbean A special treat this Winter Games is the return of the Jamaican Bobsled team. Debuting in the 1988 winter Olympics, Jamaica turned heads with their extreme underdog-status. Hailing from a tropical country without much experience they were still able to take part in the games. Their success as a bobsled team over the years has been hit-and-missthey failed to qualify for the last two Winter Games but they are back again this year to compete. What makes this special? The internet. Lacking funds to make it to Sochi for the games, the internetspecifically the DogeCoin subredditmade it possible to mine, raise, and donate around $30,000 of the necessary $40,000 needed for the game to take part in the games in just two days. Further crowdsource-style fundraising led to another $80,000 raised for the

team, putting them well on their way to the main stage this winter. Unfortunately, ever the underdog, their run in this years Olympics will not end in glory. Going into the final heats on Monday the 17th, they are in last place. More Than Athletic or National Pride This Year Russia has been receiving a lot of attention lately, not just because of the Olympic Games, but also because of their stance on civil rights for homosexuals. In 2013, Russia passed laws that prohibited being openly homosexual and spreading what they vaguely call gay propaganda, which can be interpreted as anything that suggests that non-traditional sexual relationships are equal to traditional-heterosexual relationships. Unlike the Summer Olympics of 1980 in Moscow, which

14 Outside the Bubble

LET THE GAMES BEGIN! Could they build it? Apparently they could, but at what cost and how quickly? Days before the start of the Olympics, journalists from all Photo Source Sports.nationalpost.com over the world arrived to find that had 65 countries boycott the games, the means of protesting the civil rights abuse not everything was built or ready for the in Russia has taken a much more passive games to begin. With the Olympics cosapproach in this years games. The Uni- ting nearly $50 billion (about 36 billion ted States delegation included openly gay Euro) journalists took to twitter to quesathletes as a message that the US does tion how it could cost so much and be so not support the civil rights abuse. On a ill-prepared. Explanations for the extreme more vibrant note, Germany adopted an costs and the unfinished building projects even more passive approach to protesting have been attributed to high corruption against Russia and incorporated it into in contracts and building execution. As if their official Olympic uniform: the Ger- there werent enough reasons to be conman national athletes are adorned in full cerned about civil and human rights in rainbow ski-suits. Additionally, just days Russia, reports of exploitation of migrant before the opening ceremony, the Cana- workers have also been coming in. Accordian Institute for Diversity and Inclusion ding to the Human Rights Watch more released a commercial titled Luge in than 70,000 migrant workers were hired support of the fight against Russias op- to build the new hotels and Olympic arepressive laws. The commercial shows two na in Sochi. Many of them complained of lugers getting ready to luge while the not being paid their wages, forced to work song Dont you want me plays in the under dangerous conditions, and given background. As the lugers take off, the just one day off in the month. Despite the text: The Games have always been a litt- over-expenditures and claims of corruptile gay. Lets fight to keep them that way. on the games and accommodations were comes across the screen. Furthermore, ready when the athletes arrivedthere legislatures across Canada have been rai- was only one hiccup when an American sing Pride Flags in front of their legisla- athlete got stuck in his bathroom and had to break his way out through the door. ture buildings. History, Entertainment, Unity The Opening ceremony this year was a grand spectacle showcasing Russian history and culture, and was appreciated by all. One would have hoped though that with all the trouble in the days leading up to the event that this one moment could have gone off without a hitch. Unfortunately, Murphys Law of whatever can go wrong, will struck the opening ceremony. Five snowflake shaped balls were supposed to expand into the five Olympic rings, which represent the unity in sport of the five inhabited continents (North and South America considered one continent). The fifth ring representing North and South America failed to open. Though undoubtedly an accident, this glitch in the program has been taken as a joke by some American bloggers and comedians who have internalized it and deemed it Russia perpetuating the decades long, awkward, and contentious relationship with the United States. RESULTS Throughout the games Norway has been performing admirably. Theyve topped the charts most days that the Olympics have been running and were constantly in the top three. At the time of writing this, Norway leads with nine gold medals, Germany follows with eight, the US in third with seven, and Russia in fourth with six gold. The United States leads in total number of medals with 23: Seven gold, five silver, and 11 bronze. However, with still four more days of events, this is all subject to change.

Gay Rights in Russia

by Alena di Primio
BioTechnology 2016, Germany

Two of my best friends are openly gay, its just the government who has problems with them, said a girl from Russia. Her friend who was visiting added: I dont know anybody of my friends being against homosexuality. Now these are remarks of two young people in an age where homosexuality isnt seen as a mental illness, disease or problem anymore. Elderly probably have quite different opinions about it. Fact is though that gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transvestites are in fear for

their lives. With the government raging against them, their rights are rare if even existent. For a 17-year-old student from Sochi it began when some classmates hacked his Facebook profile and found that he chatted with men. They harassed him verbally, told his parents of his homosexuality, called him names and even threatened his life. In Sochi and quite a few other parts of Russia, homosexuality is on the same level as drug abuse and crime. The

Photo Source Static.guim.co.uk

Outside the Bubble 15

only reasons for homosexuality people offer are that the person had a bad experience with the other sex in bed or that they were sexually abused during their childhood. The media often says that homosexuals seek to lure children into bed with them, which strengthens the hatred of the public. For the 17-year-old boy the horror didnt end though. On his way to school classmates threw condoms filled with urine and excrements at him. The worst thing though happened a while later. On his way home from a club he was attacked by four drunk men, who pressed him to the ground and wanted to be orally satisfied by him. He could flea but didnt go to the police to file charges because he knew that the words of a gay man would never hold against those of four straight men. Many homosexuals dont dare to out themselves. They prefer to live a double life. On the one side a wife or husband and children, on the other the desire to express their true nature. Its just the government who has problems with homosexuals. The same-sex sexual activity between adults was decriminalized in 1993 (21 years ago) but the prejudice remains until today. Transsexuals have been able to legally change their gender since 1997 (17 years ago) but still they think about suicide. Homosexuality has been removed from the Russian list of mental illnesses in 1999 (15 years ago) but some people still treat it as if it were. When referring to the issue of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transvestite) rights, Russia has been described as socially conservative with a survey showing that a large majority of Russian citizens disapprove of the legal recognition of same-sex marriage. In a one-on-one conversation people understand our homosexuality, its just that in a mass they turn into a mob, says a transvestite working in the Isadora Vulcan, a club for homosexuals, bisexuals and transvestites. One would think that with the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia would become more open-minded but the opposite seems to be the case. Putin may seem nice and tolerant on the outside but after the Olympics are finished all hide-outs are to be extinguished. With it the Majak, a gay club which is a thorn in the eye of the government and one of the last harbors for homosexuals in Sochi. Showing homosexual behavior or approval in public results in penalties of 25.000 Euro Ever since the Putin law against homosexual propaganda was passed, life for homosexuals in Russia has become even harder. Not being allowed to marry is one thing but not being able to publicly show any kind of affection towards ones mate is a whole new level of cruelty. This can be anything from saying or writing something positive about homosexuals, holding hands with ones partner, kissing him/her or wearing a rainbow button. The justification: It could seduce children and teenagers to become gay as well. In the end its clear why homosexuals

Showing homosexual behavior or approval in public resuts in penaties of 25,000.

want to immigrate to countries like Germany, Switzerland and Scandinavia where same-sex marriage is allowed and homosexuality accepted. In the meantime organizations like Children-404 (an organization for homoand bisexual children and teenagers), the LGBT Human Rights Project Gayrussia.ru and Russian LGBT network try their best to make people change their minds about homo- and bisexuality as well as travesty.

16 Outside the Bubble

A Political Shake-Up
The News of Ukraine
feel proud to be a Ukrainian. My countrymen accomplished something, which seemed impossible they "took over the government. Undoubtedly, the events of Euromaidan have been glorious for my country, but were they worth the lives of peaceful Ukrainians, no matter which side they were supporting? Ukraine has rich history and traditions, and the dramatic history of Euromaidan proved the world that it also has millions of brave people, who are proud to carry on the Ukrainian heritage, who are willing to fight for our future. I asked my friends to be careful

by Helena Kreiensiek

International Politics and History 2014, Germany

kraines political turmoil has made it into the headlines of mass media channels and gone viral. Since the 18 February 2014, 88 people have been killed and over 1000 people have been injured in clashes between protesters and police in Kiev, Ukraines capital. Images of burning tires, mass protests and snipers that reach our media look more like Ukraine is on the verge to a civil war. Complicated internal political ties, networks and relations, the role of outside powers and the influences of oligarchs and the ruling family create a messy picture of the situation in the Ukraine. The uprising against the government under Viktor Yanukovitch was sparked by Yanukovichs refusal to sign the EU association agreement in November 2013. The EU association agreement would have given the Ukraine access to the EU economic market and would have opened up promising business relations for the bankrupt country. Instead, Yanukovitchs refused in favor of a Russian loan bailout, significantly reduced gas prices and closer ties with Russia, which sparked peaceful protests and the occupation of Kievs Independence Square, dubbed Euromaidan by young pro-European Union Ukrainians. These demonstrations led to the enactment of anti-protest laws, which in turn added fuel to the fire. By criminalizing the protesters the situation gradually escalated in Feburary 2014 peaceful gatherings turned into violent protests against corruption, inequality, the overall economic situation and poverty, demanding regime change and depicting the anger boiling beneath the surface. The current riots are a reflection of the Ukrainian desire for change and have made thousands of Ukrainians join the protests on the streets. Natalia Rabota, a Logistics MA Student from Ukraine, Class 2015 on this matter: Recent events in Ukraine made me

Photo Source Abcnews.com

and to avoid dangerous areas where clashes were likely to happen. I got a simple answer: But imagine, what if everyone decided to stay home. Now that the rule of Yanukovitch has come to an end, I am hopeful with all my heart that the new generation of politicians will be as brave and determined as those people who have been fighting on Maidan and who lost their lives for what they believed in. Caught between Europe and Russia, the past and the future, Ukraine is struggling to find an identity of its own. Commonly the Ukraine is portrayed as a split country between pro-Russia and pro-EU. Is it really that simple though? Many Ukrainians reject this picture of a split country saying it is simplifying the current situation. While the Eastern regions of Ukraine are mainly inhabited by a large Russian-speaking and supposedly proMoscow oriented population, the Western regions are inhabited by a Ukrainian spea-

king population rather oriented towards the European Union. According to Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Kiev-based activist and blogger in an interview with France 24, Eastern and Western Ukrainians are just as skeptical of Moscow as they are of Brussels. It is rather the ideals of Europe and European values, but not the bureaucracy of Brussels that are supported by the majority of protesters. Therefore, a split, as predicted by many news sources, into East and West Ukraine is an oversimplification of reality. The autonomous republic of Crimea within Ukraine, a peninsula in the Black Sea south of the Ukrainian mainland, is inhabited by 60% Russians and 24% Ukrainians, of whom most have family ties to Russia and are pro-Moscow oriented due to historic reasons. With a history of separatist movements and Russian support on this matter, the local government of Crimea refuses to acknowledge the interim government in Kiev. Hence, the current political situation is threatened to escalate further, even though the Ukrainian protesters have brought about a regime change. Russias possibilities of pressuring and manipulating Ukraine in terms of gas resources, as well as its demonstration of power by announcing a military maneuver at the Ukrainian-Russian border, leaves room for speculation about Ukraines future. Now that former President Viktor Yanukovich is fugitive, the question remains what will come next for Ukraine and who will be in charge: Gas princess Timoshenko, chocolate king Poroshenko, world champion boxer Klitchko, or Maidan field commander Andrej Parubj? As the political sands shift and events are unfolding at a rapid clip, all depends now on the ability of the young interim government to preserve the unity and sovereignty of the country through reconciliation and dialog rather than polarization. Will the new revolutionary powers be strong enough to shoulder the Hercules task of reforming a totally corrupt system with an economy at the verge of collapse, maintaining the unity of the country and transforming Ukraine into a modern European State?

Food for Thought 17

I Dare You . . .
A Student Dialogue
by Gabriela Constantin-Dureci
Integrated Cultural Studies 2015, Romania
STUDENT 1: A new life. STUDENT 2: One where people rence. Not you! Not you, who started shaking at the thought of making less money than me. STUDENT 1: Dont look down on us, STUDENT 1:Wrong. Because if I am to be fully honest with you; I dont care about money. I am more concerned with the fact that you feel entitled to make other people feel bad. Why? Because if I am to be fully honest, youve stepped on all of my nerves. Because you dont get it

STUDENT 1: Remind me again why am I doing this?

STUDENT 2: Where we havent done anything STUDENT 2: One where we shouldnt feel STUDENT 1:Ashamed. STUDENT 2: Is that even possible?

STUDENT 2: Stop asking questions. You know very well why you are doing it. Because you like it. Because you feel it. Because you know it would be terrible if you woke up one day and you would not be able to do it anymore STUDENT 1: But it is so bad Too bad I am starting to notice it. I have changed. People dont look at me the same way. Its bad I should stop!

STUDENT 1: I dont know Thats the question isnt it? Is it possible to erase the mistakes weve made? STUDENT 2: To receive forgiveness? STUDENT 1:Redemption? STUDENT 2: Do we even want that?

The problem is not that I might end up working at McDonalds. The problem is that smart people end up there as well. Because we are obsessed with money. Wealth is our new fixation.

STUDENT 2: Maybe people should try it as well Perhaps they look at you like that because they cannot understand what you feel. They havent tried it yet, have they? You know what I say? I think everybody should do it. STUDENT 1: But it is not my decision! It is theirs! And they have made it pretty clear that they do not want to have anything to do with it! I cant force them! I wont

STUDENT 1:That is the big question isnt it? Do we want that? Are we willing to say that we have been wrong all along? That they were right, that they have always been right?! STUDENT 2: I dont think I can. I cant betray myself. STUDENT 1: So, then we keep fighting? STUDENT 2: Yes! Now its not the time to give up!

Because a science degree does not necessarily guarantee that you are smart. Nor does a humanities one. Or a social sciences one. Or any degree at all. Because knowledge does not pertain only to the usage of a computer. Because being enrolled in a university does not mean you are smart. Because universities have betrayed their fathers. Plato was not thinking of this. Aristotle was not thinking of this. Because we are taught that the main goal of a university is to produce employable graduates. NO! NO! NO! You go to a university to learn, to gain knowledge, to develop yourself. To become better. Greater! To know yourself! Not to become employable!! That is the problem! That our universities are no longer a place for spirits to grow, for individuals to become. That we have traded intellectual curiosity for thought prescriptions. Because I am defensive. And I have not followed proper semantics.

STUDENT 2: They are resisting it because they do not know yet on what theyre missing out. Just let them taste it for a moment and they will be hooked. STUDENT 1: Once they try it, they will never be able to go back. Their lives as they know them will be over. They will be hooked forever.

Because it wasnt like this at first. Because people used to believe. In great thinkers, in great thoughts. In great minds! Because the issue is not that I am studying humanities, that you are studying humanities. The issue is that nowadays people are telling me I should feel ashamed because of that. Do you want fries with that? Because it is immediately inferable that I will end up working at McDonalds. Because there seems like there are no other opportunities for a humanities major. Because it does not matter that I have read Mallarm in the fifth grade. Because I amdoomed. But you know who else I heard works at McDonalds? A Medical School graduate. And a lawyer. And a former professor. And someone who couldnt take his SATs because he could not have afforded college. Or the degree he wanted: physics.

STUDENT 2: So what?! You say it as if it were a bad thing. I personally believe it is the best thing that could happen to anyone! And we should let them have a taste of it even if they dont want it. STUDENT 1: Stop uttering nonsenses. This is not a revolution. We are not trying to change anyones life. I am not trying to change anyones life.

STUDENT 2: But you should! All of us should! But you are wrong. This is indeed a revolution, my friend A grand revolution! STUDENT 1: No it is not! When you have a revolution you are fighting for something that, as impossible as it may seem, it is possible. STUDENT 2: Have you lost all faith?

I will take a step back. I was wrong. Not everybody thinks that. But some of you do. That is the problem. That there are still people who look down on me because I study humanities. Because I am not ashamed that I study humanities. Because when they ask what I am majoring in, I reply confidently: a dying major. A dying major But not a dead one. Not a dead discipline. Not a lost battle. STUDENT 1: Do you think everything will be fine?

STUDENT 1: Havent you? Dont you see the way they look at us? The sympathetic smiles they give us? As if we were not worth breathing the same air as they do, feeling the warmth of the same Sun. They despise us, my friend! STUDENT 2: No, they dont! Not all of them! STUDENT 1: The rest are just too afraid to say it to our face. Because the others judge them too. They empathize with us merely on the base of self-pity. STUDENT 2: So, are we giving up the fight? STUDENT 1: I dont know It would be so easy to just wake up one day and start all over. STUDENT 2: Have a fresh start.

Because it is so easy to dismiss someone. To hurt them. To be yourself the reason why this is happening. Because not only I might end up working in a diner.[1] You might end up there as well. Or not. The same way I could end up making more money than you. With a Humanities degree.

STUDENT 2: I dont know. I honestly do not know. I can only hope so. STUDENT 1: It might have been easier to just let them try it as well

Sorry! I apologize! Did it feel bad? Considering that? Thinking for maybe just one moment that I might actually achieve something? I am sorry! I did not mean to scare you! You should stop reading this now! I beg you: STOP! Because I cant. Because it is time you heard it as well: SCIENCE MAJORS DONT IMPRESS ME! NOR DO SOCIAL SCIENCES MAJORS! NOR DO NATURAL SCIENCES MAJORS! NOR DO HUMANITIES! Smart people impress me! They make a diffe-

I told you: I do not think everybody is capable of handling this. It might be too strong for them. Such great understanding of the world is only for the few. Lets not push it Let them learn on their own. ________________________________________ [1] Damn it, I wont even give myself that much credit that I would ever assume that a multinational such as McDonalds will ever hire me.

18 Food for Thought

Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Jacobs University Bremen

by Howard L. Resnikoff
tence of the Lawrence Scientic School at Harvard the oldest university in the United States and potential benefactors were at best indifferent and often hostile to the young institution. The new President and the Trustees lobbied the Massachusetts Legislature for a $200,000 grant (More than $4 million today). Although MIT was private, they successfully argued that these public monies would aid the industrial development of Massachusetts. The Legislature approved a grant of $300,000 to be paid over two years. In the following years, the State continued to provide grants amounting to more than $1.6 million (Probably more than $40 million today) until the practice was ended in 1921. Between 1881 and 1897, enrollment quadrupled from 302 to 1,198 students, faculty appointments grew from 38 to 156, and the endowment grew from $137,000 (About $2.8 million today) to $1,798,000 (About $43 million). One hundred and forty years after the proposal for founding MIT was submitted to the State of Massachusetts, a plan was proposed to the City-State of Bremen to create a private university of higher learning with a style of education new to Germany. The City-State approved the plan and contributed seed monies, and the new university obtained the land and buildings of a decommissioned military base for use as a campus. Two years later, in September 2001, Jacobs University then called International University Bremen opened, just days after the 9/11 attack in America. The effects of 9/11 created great uncertainty that lasted for many years in Europe as well as in the United States. The uncertainty made it difcult to get the attention of potential benefactors. It was a difcult time to be raising money, no matter how promising the hopes for the new university might be. In America, which has a tradition of educational and international philanthropy, all eyes were turned inward and wallets were closed. In Bremen, which had no tradition of private philanthropy for education, many potential benefactors and the general public were hostile to the new institution which they saw as elitist and in potential competition with the older, established,

A Tale of Two Universities

Chairman, Jacobs University Foundation of America

oday, MIT is a world famous private university with the 6th largest endowment ($11 billion) in the United States. It wasnt always so. In 1859 William Barton Rogers submitted a proposal to the legislature of the State of Massachusetts for a new private institution of higher learning that would be housed on publicly owned lands in Boston. Two years later, on April 10, 1861 the governor of Massachusetts signed a charter that granted land for a new private institution of higher education, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston Society of Natural History. Two days later the American Civil War began. Because of the war, Rogers, who had been appointed President, had great difculty raising funds for the new institution. Nevertheless, after the war ended, in May, 1865, MITs rst classes were held in rented space in Boston, and in 1866 its rst building was built. The war was not the only reason it was difcult to raise funds. Most people failed to see a need for, or to understand, the new style of education that MIT represented. MIT survived for eight years, in a constant state of nancial crisis. Then, the Panic of 1873, a severe economic collapse, hit North America and Europe. The subsequent Long Depression lasted 6 years. Enrollments at MIT decreased sharply after 1875 and the nancial situation, never easy, became grim. By 1878 its thirteenth year MIT had abolished three professorships; reduced faculty salaries; and the Board of Trustees considered closing the institution. Under these circumstances, the second president retired. The trustees were unable to nd a successor. They asked Rogers, who was then 75 years of age, to return as interim President. President Rogers succeeded in nding a young but distinguished successor who assumed the Presidency in 1881 the 16th year of operation. One reason it was difcult for MIT to build a stable nancial foundation in this period was the exis-

Food for Thought 19

University of Bremen. Although the people of Bremen relied on and rewarded elitism in their football team, they objected to it in education. Others failed to see the need for the new style of education that Jacobs represented, or saw its internationalism as a threat. The new university became the rst private university in Germany to be accredited and, in 2004, graduated its rst class. During this initial period of academic success, efforts to raise endowment funds were less successful. The University developed for ve years in a constant state of nancial crisis. Then, in 2006, it received what was at the time the largest donation for education in European history when the Jacobs family committed 200 million. To honor their condence in its future, the University changed its name to Jacobs University Bremen. Almost immediately, in 2007, a severe global economic collapse hit North America and Europe. The subsequent Long, or Great, Recession had already lasted 6 years. The nancial situation of the University, never easy, was grim. The President and the Trustees successfully lobbied the City-State for supplemental monies based on the tax revenues brought in by its activities. Although Jacobs was private, it successfully argued that the requested public monies would aid the industrial development of the City-State. The City-State approved a grant against a background of political controversy and continued to provide grants with the understanding that the practice would soon be ended. By 2014 its thirteenth year Jacobs had secured its budget through 2017 but was still struggling to raise sufcient funds to cover the impending budget shortfall after that time. Under these circumstances, the third president, who had served less than one year, left the university. In the meantime, the growing number of alumni of Jacobs University have gone on to prestigious graduate schools and to signicant positions in corporations; the faculty have succeeded in winning an ever-growing number of research contracts and grants; and students from more than 100 countries rate Jacobs University highly and testify to the effectiveness of its educational programs. In similar circumstances, the MIT Trustees were unable to nd a successor and asked President Rogers, who was then 75 years of age, to return as interim President. It remains to be seen how the Jacobs Trustees will proceed. Although the MIT Trustees considered closing the institution, that turned out to have been the wrong path to consider. Building a great university is not the work of one year, or of one decade. Building a great university is not for the faint of heart. Success neither comes, nor can it be judged, in the heat of the moment.

Why We Arent Impressed

by Anonymous
hen I criticize Jacobs, I criticize its leadership. I do so with far less reprieve than ever before, and with little doubt as to the incapability, and incompetence of many (though not all) of the figureheads in RLH. There are a lot of great things about this place. Our dorms are world class and we have an amazing support system of friends and college teams for daily support. We have resources that make studying, and relaxing, almost too easy. Everyone complains about the food but it could really be a lot worse. Our professors are generally interested in getting information across to students and highly intelligent and capable to boot. Our class sizes are smaller than the average and the chance to work with professors one on one is available to practically anyone. On top of that, theres plenty of opportunity for on-campus employment; over 500 students have campus jobs right now. In many ways Jacobs is a

commune. For three years, everyone is put on equal footing, regardless of land, labor, race, or wealth. For three years, each and every one of us is given the same opportunity to excel academically, socially, physically. Its really something amazing.But, Jacobs is built on dreams. While thats alright, it cant last if those dreams are built on more dreams, and if under those dreams lie a thin layer of cynicism and self-doubt. There is a sense of falsehood about things here. On one hand, diversity is promoted, on the other hand, it isnt entirely understood. In building a nationless college, Jacobs failed entirely to emphasize what students knew all along: That little flag next to your name doesnt mean a Goddamn thing. Despite promoting German excellence, students live isolated from even the local community (and people in Bremen central hate this place more and more every year). Despite marketing a student-promoted campus, in practice we see the contrary. Colleges and their students are

ignored, seen either as unhelpful, lazy, or not worth consideration. Despite the huge amount of spirit, enthusiasm, and loyalty a college fosters, all efforts to use that energy are ignored. Instead of going with what works, administration grinds gears to get what they think is right. Instead of letting colleges take the autonomy they could easily manage, centralization has been forced down everyones throats.Students, and students alone make this university what it is. They have the talent, the drive, and the success stories to show for it, yet their efforts are sidelined. Instead of growing organically with its students and colleges, Jacobs has grown sporadically and without feedback or input from its most important asset. Students are instead expected to focus on one thing only, academics. Our friends from across the Atlantic will tell us that an undergraduate experience is defined by everything other than that, yet here, extracurriculars are barely understood as significant at

20 Food for Thought

place. Funding has been denied time and time again for sports teams, and when sponsors were found, they were deemed unfitting and tossed out. On one hand, the university is dead broke, yet every event that would promote the extraordinary capabilities of students, or make Jacobs University a household name rather than that university in Bremen going bankrupt is feared. The above are examples of poor leadership from my own experience here. Ask around, or just try to change or do something yourself and youll find more stories, more incompetence, and the stress and annoyance of overhead to be a given. Anything that isnt directly on the agenda is marginalized, regardless of what it is, or how it might help this university out of poverty. These are student side concerns, getting into the loss of our most valuable professors, the poor show by our recently departed president, or the general lack of communication is an issue worth discussion, but Id be busy writing for years. Back to the point: Students work hard, we work 24/7. When we arent in class, were studying, when we arent studying, were meeting for projects. Our weekends are filled with work, and our weekdays are filled with more. Why do we accept an administration that checks out at 5pm every day, takes vacations in the middle of the semester, and takes literal months to answer emails. Why do we feel ashamed to voice our opinions, and to critically confront a university whose reputation influences our future. Students, and students alone have the power, and its time we take a stand and demand what any university deserves: An administration that works just as hard as its students. In the last 12 years, Jacobs has steadily become loathed in the surrounding community. As a company, investor confidence is bound to be at an all time low. Having your CEO leave after eight month speaks volumes about the state of this company. Instead of connecting to the community, Jacobs continues to isolate itself. Instead of making actual changes in university structure, curriculum, and mission, we get vague emails about strategy and hypotheses, all of which boil down to one thing: jargon. We are not impressed because we are not stupid. The leadership letters have not had any substance to date, there is nothing in them, just words. Not one email has mentioned budgets, actual changes, or tangible work done. Everything is a formulaic spiel to make the first glace seem worthwhile, when any student with the least bit of knowledge knows that we are basically being fed BS. Here are some changes that would actually make a difference.

all. Students are met with resistance; if the issue isnt made money, its made to be something else. Our university has shown us that it knows nothing of public relations, nor of the power of word of mouth: Explore Multiple Truths 2012, canceled three days before it was supposed to take place. The University refused to authorize a single cent during organization, but found enough money to pay for return flights for incoming guests. The Neuroscience Symposium last year, denied a budget for no particular reason. Organizers were told to give guest lecturers a tour of Bremen, as if the professional image of Jacobs would remain untarnished by such a failure. Arts Olympix was resisted by every administrative body, college competition was apparently unhealthy. In its third year, its shown to be one of the most popular events on campus. Plans to renovate the Coffee Bar were drawn up, a budget was available. Organizers were told that students werent meant to use the venue in the first

Photo Source Deviantart.org

Teach students German, language courses right now suck, and no one is getting a job in Germany speaking solely English. Despite the fact that Germanys economy is doing well, students leave Jacobs and go right back home.

Branding: Make Jacobs a household name in Lower Saxony. Involve it in projects that matter to locals. If people dont see how Jacobs is helping them, there is no way they will continue to help it. Math and computer science and lots of it. Im graduating with a business degree yet havent had a single applicable math course. How on earth can I compete with other business students all of whom have business analytics and relevant math experience? (hint: I cant).

Lets stand up for our rights as students and members of a private university. Lets demand collaboration, not marginalization. Lets expect changes to be felt, not heard of, and lets stop letting students be sidelined. Jacobs is in trouble, and we students can help it regain its strength and be the elite university its supposed to be.

Food for Thought 21

What I am Thinking?
My Thoughts on Exchange
where groups merge, form strong and weak ties, and continuously say hello and goodbye. Also, in a relatively small community like Jacobs, everyone is important, and at the same time, not that important. One person can either choose to get involved in the campus or completely enjoy their personal freedomnever really existing among people. Though the language barrier is certainly a problem for many of the students on campus, the friendly atmosphere in the local community allows me to gradually learn German instead of panic, which leads to nothing. The study pressure is more understandable; but, no matter how many barriers there are, I still live a really happy and free life because of the freedom I get to have. I have some personal time to socialize with new friends who share the same interests, or simply read some books and have some relaxing music. Life goes on everywhere, but I would rather believe that, when on exchange, the mood and mind change. Its all about choices, and theres no right or wrong. So, the meaning of an exchange semester or year (to me) is to try to jump out of my comfort zone and discover something new inside my heart, rather than just visiting new places and meeting new people. That is the purpose of travel. Everyone makes his or her own choices and whatever works will work. We would climb the mountains or swim across

by Yingzhoa Zhu

Integrated Social Sciences 2016, China

On the day of arriving at the Ft. Lauderdale airport in Florida last year as an exchange student, I would never have thought that after a year and a half I would get a chance to be a student advisor for other exchange students and to present some things about Bremen a city that even I have only lived in for half a year. After taking them to downtown Bremen and through the familiar streets of Vegesack, I suddenly realized: Oh, Im surrounded by the freedom I have desired so much and I need to appreciate it. Germany, in my eyes, represents a quality of life symbolized by convenience in every little thinga supermarket five minutes away, many single houses, almost every family owns a car, a well-developed education system, and so onexactly as I had imagined. Flashback to when I was in the States, one of the things that left a bad impression on me was that I needed a car to go to almost anywhere. I cant even describe how inconvenient it was to go out. At that time what I dreamt was that there could be a bus in front of my house every day that could go everywhere I wanted to go. Of course that couldnt be true. I struggled for a whole year with my desire to go many places and feeling like I didnt have legs because of limited transportation. I felt unhappy because of all of these things. Besides the transportation bother, everything elselike eating, classes, work, papers, and examsseemed to be the same. I sometimes asked myself: Did I find the freedom I want? or why am I here if everything could be nearly the same as this back home? I felt pretty lost at some points, but the year ended with the happiness of graduation and a deep appreciation for the freedom I got to have at homeeverything wasnt as cool as I thought it would be. Entering university was definitely different, which was also obviously shown by the convenience and freedom that I enjoy. Things have been so goodbesides everything available in the stores and the well-developed public transportation in Brementhe campus life is easier for me to choose whichever path I want to follow. Jacobs is an international campus

the sea to find what we want deeply from inside. Theres no regular way of living a life nope, never! Everything is possible. It is not a different environment that changes a person, but thoughts and feelings. Dont ever let the environment limit your feeling of freedom. Do something that makes you happy, in whatever way you like, and dont regret it. Take every moment; you know that you own them Its all up to you to do whatever you choose Live like youre dying and never stop trying Its all you can do, use whats been given to you Live Like Youre Dying By Lenka A new semester is starting and yes,

22 Photography Club Presents: At dawn, @ 3,353 m, Humde Airport, Manang, Himalayas, Nepal.
BY RAJU GURUNG

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Disclaimer: This is an independent newspaper. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors named and are not necessarily those of the Undergraduate Student Government or its individual members