First Erasmus Staff Week at the Faculty of Education: Successful exchange on international teaching placements

18 February 2025

Photo: UHH/EW

From February 10 to 13, 2025, the first Erasmus Staff Week took place at the Faculty of Education at Universität Hamburg. Under the title “Challenges and perspectives for international teaching internships”, the International Office welcomed 20 international guests from various partner universities.

The four-day program, supported by Erasmus+ funds, offered participants a platform to exchange ideas on the development and establishment of international school internships. The focus was not only on organizational aspects, but also on the valuable transfer of knowledge between the institutions. In addition, forward-looking partnerships for teaching in English and further cooperation within the Erasmus program were discussed. This week provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen networks and open up new perspectives for academic collaboration.

The event kicked off on Monday with a warm welcome from the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Claus Krieger, and the Department of Internationalization. Over the following days, the participants gained insights into local school practice through visits to various educational institutions at primary and secondary level. The schools visited included the Vizelinstraße elementary school, the Schule an der Gartenstadt, the Hansa-Gymnasium and the Gymnasium Christianeum. The focus was on innovative immersive programs and English lessons, but math and German lessons were also actively experienced.

In addition to the school visits, numerous workshops and lectures were offered. Carola Heffenmenger from the Centre for Teacher Training and University Didactics (ZLH) presented the Hamburg system for teacher training and the organization of school internships. In addition, the participants tackled the topic themselves and presented their experiences of organizing school internships and integrating international students.

A highlight of the Staff Week was the cultural supporting program, such as an informative campus tour. A visit to the Dialoghaus Hamburg enabled the participants to experience the exhibitions “Dialogue in the Dark” and “Dialogue in Silence”, which brought about a profound change in perspective. The crowning finale was an atmospheric boat trip in the Port of Hamburg on Thursday evening.

The first Erasmus Staff Week was therefore a complete success and laid the foundations for future international cooperation and a sustainable exchange in the field of teacher training.

For Further information, feel free to contact the international Office.