Welcome to Fulbright.de
The Fulbright newsletter from Germany!
March 2006

-	Fulbright News
-	Fulbright Program Announcements
-	Fulbright Events
-	Higher Education News from Germany
-	Higher Education News from Europe
-	Transatlantic and International Higher Education News
-	Various
-	Useful links

-  Fulbright Connects With the Muslim World
The Fulbright Program has long emphasized that its mission is about diplomacy as much as scholarship. In recent years the United States' best-known academic-exchange program has focused on the Muslim world, renewing or strengthening ties with what program officials call "critical" countries and establishing a new short-term visiting-scholar program for professors from predominantly Muslim countries. Read more…

-  Former German Fulbright student DAAD/AICGS Fellow
AICGS is pleased to welcome its newest DAAD/AICGS Fellow, Ms. Nicole Kranz. During her time at AICGS, Ms. Kranz aims to analyze the German and U.S. actor networks created to advance the ten principles for good corporate citizenship established by the UN Global Compact, an international initiative for promoting good corporate practices in the areas of environment, labor, human rights and anti-corruption. Read more…

-  Fulbright staff news
The Commission welcomes Christine Neick who is responsible for IT, Webdesign and Publications since March 2006. Christine is replacing Erica Young during her maternity and parental leave.

-  Announcement of scholarships 2007-2008
The Fulbright Commission will shortly invite German students and graduates of research universities and Fachhochschule-institutions to apply for the Fulbright full and partial scholarships for study in the U.S. The scholarships aim at full-time studies at U.S. universities during the 9-months academic year 2007-2008. Application forms and further scholarship information will be available on the Fulbright webpage after April 5, 2006. Application deadline for students and graduates of research universities: June 20, 2006.
Application deadline for students and graduates of Fachhochschule-institutions: June 02, 2006.

-  First "Fulbright-Leipzig-US Consulate Concert"
On May 14, 2006 at 3pm a concert will be given by Fulbright musicians, Alumni, and students of the Musikhochschule Leipzig. Location is the the Alte Handelsbörse. Thanks to the genenerous support of the city of Leipzig, the US Consulate, the Musikhochschule, and the Fulbright Program the musicians will offer a tribute to the host city of Leipzig and their tansaltantic relations. More information on the concert and registration will be available on the Fulbright Website in April 2006.

-  "Fulbright. For a better world"
was the motto of the 2006 Berlin Seminar, with more than 300 US Fulbrighters from Germany and 20 European countries. They enjoyed highlights such as the opening ceremony at the traditional Humboldt University, seminars and workshops on current German and European issues in science, education and politics, and a big dance party for all. As every year, Fulbrighters actively performed at the Fulbright music gala and contributed to many discussions such as special guest Professor Ina Druviete, an Fulbright Alumna and now minister for educationa and science in Latvia who attended the whole conference. The annual conference of the Fulbright Academy of Science and Technology preceeded the event, thus providing an opportunity for many to attend both events.

-  Erste Entscheidungen in der Exzellenzinitiative
Gemeinsame Kommission zusammengesetzt aus den Mitgliedern der Fachkommission der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft und der Strategiekommission des Wissenschaftsrates befindet über mehr als 300 Antragsskizzen. Mehr lesen…

-  Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung erhöht Budget im laufenden Jahr um 5,6 Prozent
Die Bundesregierung verstärkt die Förderung von Forschung, Innovation und Exzellenz in der Wissenschaft. Für 2006 sind dafür im Etat des BMBF über 8 Mrd. € vorgesehen. Wichtigster Schwerpunkt ist die Projektförderung in den Bereichen Lebenswissenschaften, Neue Technologien und nachhaltige Entwicklung. Mehr lesen…

-  Empfehlungen des Wissenschaftsrates
In seinen Wintersitzungen hat der Wissenschaftsrat u.a. Empfehlungen zur zukünftigen Rolle der Universitäten erarbeitet. Hierin spricht er sich für eine stärkere Differenzierung des Hochschulsystems aus, die nicht mehr primär den Hochschultypus, sondern das Profil der einzelnen Hochschule in den Vordergrund rückt. Bei der Organisationsstruktur von Universitäten plädiert der Wissenschaftsrat dafür, Hochschulen soweit wie möglich Raum für die eigene Entwicklungsplanung zu geben. Mehr lesen…

-  Bachelor-Absolventen: Mehr als ein Diplom light
Den noch recht jungen Bachelor-Studiengängen haftet wegen ihrer kurzen Ausbildungsdauer das Image eines Studiums zweiter Wahl an – zu Unrecht. Immer mehr junge Leute entscheiden sich für das Bachelor- oder Master-Studium, und die Hochschulen bieten mehr dieser Studiengänge an. Selbst in den Ingenieurwissen-schaften finden BA-Absolventen gute Beschäftigungschancen, wie eine Befragung von 1.000 Unternehmen durch das Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln (IW) im Auftrag des Vereins Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI) ergab. Mehr lesen…

-  Germany: tuition fees cause decrease in number of long-term and second-degree students
The Federal Statistical Office Germany has just presented the most recent statistics for German higher education institutions. According to first provisional results for 2005/2006, about 1 982 million students are currently enrolled at institutions of higher education in Germany (one percent up from the preceding year). First-year students are at 351 900, two percent down from 2004 (358 900). In 2004/2005, 1 963 million students were enrolled in German higher education institutions. Compared to 2003/2004, this figure has decreased by three percent. Read more…

-  Lehramtsausbildung mit den Bologna-Strukturen neu gestalten!
Die Hochschulen wollen den Bologna-Prozess nutzen, um die Lehramtsausbildung konsequent auf den Qualifizierungsbedarf künftiger Lehrerinnen und Lehrer auszurichten. Dies geht aus einem Beschluss des Plenums der Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) hervor, das am 21. Februar 2006 in Bayreuth tagte. Mehr lesen…

-  Mehr Abiturienten mit Fachhochschulreife
Wie das Statistische Bundesamt mitteilte, erwarben im Jahr 2004 rund 386 900 Jugendliche die Hochschul- oder Fachhochschulreife, das sind 41,5% der gleichaltrigen Wohnbevölkerung. Knapp ein Drittel der Abiturienten erhielt die Fachhochschulreife. Dieser Anteil ist seit dem Jahr 2000 um nahezu ein Viertel von 26% auf 32% gestiegen. Mehr lesen…

-  HISBUS-Befragung zu Fremdsprachenkenntnissen von Studierenden
Erwartungsgemäß ist Englisch die am besten beherrschte Fremdsprache unter Studenten. Insgesamt schätzen 72% ihre Englischkenntnisse mit mindestens gut ein. Diese Tendenz bestätigen parallel durchgeführte Sprachtests: Beinahe 90% der Studierenden verfügen über einen umfangreichen englischen Wortschatz. Mehr lesen…

-  VDI-Studie zeigt Chancen für Ingenieure und Unternehmen auf
EGefragt: Ingenieure. Es heißt nun nicht mehr nur Vorsprung durch Technik, sondern Vorsprung durch Ingenieure. Doch die sind rar. Das verdeutlicht die aktuelle VDI-Ingenieurstudie. Gerade der Mittelstand hat Probleme qualifizierten Nachwuchs zu finden. Hier fehlen derzeit 11.500 Ingenieure. Mehr lesen…

-  Milde Gaben fürs Labor
Deutsche Hochschulen versuchen sich im Spendensammeln – bislang mit bescheidenem Erfolg, wie eine neue Studie zeigt. Mehr lesen…

-  Commission reveals plans for European Institute of Technology
The European Commission has released a communication outlining the key elements of the proposal of a European Institute of Technology (EIT). The idea to create an EIT as a “new flagship for excellence in higher education, research and innovation” was originally proposed by President Barroso as part of the relaunched Lisbon agenda. Read more…

-  "Tuition Fee Debate in Europe" Dossiers by GATE-Germany
This is amongst the most turbulent of times ever known for European higher education. Read more…

-  EURODATA - student mobility in European higher education
ACA has released the latest EURODATA mobility report, which is now available through any bookshops and the publisher.

-  Former Fulbright Executive Director new OECD Director of Education
On January 1, 2006 Dr. Barbara Ischinger succeeded Dr. Barry McGaw as the new Director for Education at the OECD. The German, outgoing executive vice president for international affairs and public relations at Berlin’s Humboldt University, is not a newcomer to the field, holding a number of senior international positions relating to international co-operation and education. While specialising in Europe, the US and Africa, she has experience in social development and reshaping academic curricula and professional training. She has held posts in UNESCO and as the Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange, as well as publishing numerous papers on international relations and international higher education.

-  Commissioner for Education visits the USA
European Commissioner for Education, Jan Figel, visited the USA from 6 to 8 February, 2006 where he held discussions with US counterparts on how tore-engage European-US cooperation in higher education and vocational training. He met with Margaret Spellings, the US Secretary for Education and other senior government officials with a view to renew European-US cooperation in higher education, that since its conception in 1995 has involved 600 institutions and 3000 students but has staggered in recent months with budget fears on the US side. Read more…

-  Zum Auslandssemester nach Deutschland
Das Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta schickt mit dem DAAD seine Scouts auf die Suche nach deutschen Hochschulpartnern. Das Thema genießt höchste politische Priorität: Anfang Januar war US-Präsident George Bush der Hauptredner und Impulsgeber auf einem Gipfeltreffen von 130 Universitätspräsidenten über das Auslandsstudium („Summit on International Education“). Mehr lesen…

-  How to send one million Americans abroad within a decade: Lincoln Commission reports to US Congress and President
The Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program has presented its report Global Competence and National Needs to the Congress and President. The vision: sending one million Americans to study abroad every year by 2016-17, i.e. within a decade. This figure corresponds to half of the number of undergraduate degrees awarded annually by American colleges and universities. The main objective of the Lincoln Commission was to devise recommendations for a study programme that expands study abroad options for American students, with a special focus on developing countries. The recent international climate has also heightened the need for a more culturally aware community, in particular in regards to achieving 'global competency'. The report concludes that 'greater engagement of American undergraduates with the world around them is vital to the nation's well-being' Lincoln Commission Report.

-  US want to send more students abroad and attract more foreign students to U.S: institutions
The Bush administration, at a conference on international education, announced a package of measures aimed at enticing more foreign students to attend American institutions and at sending more Americans to study abroad. The measures include joint overseas trips by government and college officials to recruit foreign students, new Fulbright grants for foreign students coming to the US, and more help for low-income and community-college students to study abroad. The White House Press Release.

-  Bush Administration Announces Measures to Internationalize American Higher Education
he Bush administration announced on Friday a package of measures aimed at enticing more foreign students to attend American institutions and at sending more Americans to study abroad. The measures include joint overseas trips by government and college officials to recruit foreign students, new Fulbright grants for some foreign students coming to the United States, and help for more low-income and community-college students to study abroad. Read more...

-  A resource directory for educational and cultural exchange
The International Exchange Locator is a directory of nonprofit organizations, federal agencies, and congressional committees engaged in international exchange. The Locator, a collaborative effort between the Alliance and the Department of State, provides detailed information about more than 285 exchange organizations - including addresses, websites and e-mails, phone/fax numbers, exchange programmes details and key staff members. It also includes information on a whole host of exchange programmes offered in more than 40 federal government departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices, as well as phone listings of State Department officials, USAID officers, and Fulbright Commissions worldwide. "The Locator" features information about the congressional committees which oversee and fund international exchange and training programs as well. International Exchange Locator: 2005 Edition

-  Publication on German Election 2005 (AICGS)
AICGS presented a new publication marking the conclusion of Germany's federal election, titled "And the Winner Is... the German Election of 2005." This publication is a compilation of essays and analyses from AICGS' election 2005 website, written by a collection of scholars before and after the election. Read more…

-  The Merkel Miracle
Dr. Christian Hacke, professor at the University of Bonn wonders whether Chancellor Merkel has already initiated a "readjustment" of German foreign policy during her short time in office in his essay, "The Merkel Miracle? The Promising Beginnings of a Readjusted German Foreign Policy." Read more…

-  Capital Cities Dialogue (AICGS)
In a group interview that appeared on Deutsche Welle TV, current U.S. Ambassador to Germany William Timken, German Ambassador to the U.S. Wolfgang Ischinger, German Council on Foreign Relations Director Eberhard Sandschneider, and AICGS Executive Director Jackson Janes discuss the current state of transatlantic relations and whether recent crises are indicative of a greater trend. Read more…

-  Goethe Institute Los Angeles launched Media Lounge
The Media Lounge provides information about a contemporary Germany and developments in the arts, cultural and political life and society by means of new media. We strive to provide materials and resources to promote a modern and diverse view of Germany and the Germans and facilitate an intercultural dialogue. Read more…

-  Summer Internships at the Chronicle available
The Chronicle is seeking editorial interns for this summer. The internships are paid, full-time positions in our Washington office and will last from June until early September. Duties include reporting and writing brief features for print, and daily news articles for our Web site. The Chronicle

-  A new voice for America in Europe
National Pubic Radio will replace Voice of America in Berlin in spring 2006. Read more…

-  Jeder dritte spricht Deutsch
Die Kenntnis von Fremdsprachen in der Europäischen Union nimmt zu. Das geht aus einer im Auftrag der Europäischen Kommission Ende 2005 vorgenommenen „Eurobarometer”-Umfrage hervor. Mehr lesen…

-  Internet-Portal für den wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs
Mit dem Internet-Portal "hochschulkarriere.de" steht erstmals eine offene Informations- und Kommunikations-plattform für Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und Nachwuchswissenschaftler zur Verfügung. Es bündelt Nachrichten, Hintergrundberichte, Tipps, Hinweise und Termine rund um Promotion, Habilitation und Juniorprofessur. Das Angebot soll dem Austausch jüngerer Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler dienen und helfen, die zum Teil schwer durchschaubaren Strukturen und Rahmenbedingungen im Hochschul- und Wissenschaftsbereich zu durchschauen. hochschulkarriere.de

-  Der Fond Erinnerung und Zukunft bietet 16 Förder- und sechs Stipendienprogrammen an.

-  Sommerkurse 2006
Die deutschen Hochschulen bauen ihre Sommerkursangebote immer weiter aus, ebenso wächst der Kreis der internationalen Interessenten stetig. Der DAAD bietet eine online Übersicht der Sommerkurse 2006.

-  Neue Webseite "young-germany.de"
Die neue englischsprachige Website www.young-germany.de will junge „High-Potentials“ weltweit für Deutschland interessieren. Die Website ist ein Gemeinschaftsprojekt der Internetredaktion des Auswärtigen Amts und des Societäts-Verlags in Frankfurt am Main. Sie informiert über Karrierechancen, über innovative Entwicklungen in Forschung und Wissenschaft, aber auch über Trends, Lifestyle und die Lebenswirklichkeit junger Menschen in Deutschland.

-  signandsight.com
The English version by perlentaucher.de, offers a daily review of top stories from the German-language cultural press and a weekly international magazine and book roundup In English. It is supported by the Kulturstiftung des Bundes. www.signandsight.com