Newsletter from the Welcome Centre
Dear international academics,
As the summer approaches, we all feel the beautiful sunny weather in Passau (except for today ;)). As the days get longer, our wish to wander becomes stronger. Well, look no further because we`ve got you covered with events, recommendations and more. Our Recommendation Corner and recaps of our previous events can give you inspiration for your next trip. We are also more than happy to share our “Let’s talk about diversity and inclusion” magazine with you. While on the subject of diversity, we are also happy to share the Science Slam Diversity event.
From our next event to online seminars, this newsletter is packed with great opportunities.
We hope you enjoy reading our newsletter as much as we enjoy bringing the news and opportunities to you!
Your Welcome Centre Team
Invitation to the next Welcome Centre's after-work networking event: Oide Dult
We would like to invite you to the Oide Dult in Passau on Tuesday, May 28. We will meet directly there at the Upper Archway of the Nikolakloster (NK) at 18:00.
TheOide Dult is smaller than the big Maidult, but maintains a traditional folk festival character. Complete with unamplified traditional brass band music, beer benches under the trees, a variety of dishes and the swinging boat ride provide a nostalgic flair. Feel free to bring small card games that we can play together.
Please, send us an e-mail at researchmobility@uni-passau.de, if you would like to join.
We hope to see you at the Oide Dult!
Recap of Semester Opening & daytrip to Bad Ischl
In April, we kicked off the summer semester with our semester opening event in beautiful weather. First, there was a short guided tour for everyone who wanted to get to know Passau a little better. Instead of focusing on historical details, we gave recommendations for the best ice cream, the most beautiful cafés, cultural offers, places to best enjoy sunsets and of course all the events that will take place in Passau in summer. The tour ended at the bar RIO, where we sat together in the beer garden with cold drinks and delicious food to cap off the evening.
On May 4, we embarked on a daytrip to Bad Ischl (this years European Capital of Culture) and theLangbathseen lakes. We started our trip with a hike around the Langbathseen and enjoyed the breathtaking view of the lakes and the mountains. After we finished our hike, we went for a delicious lunch at the restaurant Weinhaus Attwenger. After our lunch, everybody had the chance to discover the marvellous city and visit some great cafes or take a walk around the large historical central park of Bad Ischl. The weather was fantastic and we enjoyed strolling through the city until it was time to get back on the bus and head home to Passau. Thanks to everyone who took part!
For a quick recap video of our daytrip click here
You were not able to join us and/or want to visit Bad Ischl and the Salzkammergut region on your own?
Here you find train timetables and tickets.
our special tip:
The Freizeit-Ticket OÖ is a day travel card. For the year of the Capital of Culture not only has the price been reduced, the area in which the ticket is valid has been significantly expanded. That is why in 2024 the ticket is valid not only in Upper Austria, but also in some areas in Salzburg and Styria.
As Passau train station (Hbf) is also served by the Austrian railway (ÖBB), Passau is included in the ticket.
The ticket costs €19,90 per day and includes up to two adults and two children (under the age of 15).
Please find more information here.
our extra special tip:
In order to go to Bad Ischl, you need to change trains. Once you enter the last section of the trip (this could either be in Wels or in Attnang-Puchheim), please make sure to sit on the left side of the train (viewed in the direction of travel) if you want to enjoy a really nice view over the Traunsee lake and Traunstein mountain. Other stops along the way which are worth a visit are e.g. Gmunden and Traunkirchen. Additionally, if you don’t leave the train in Bad Ischl and leave it a few stops later, you are able to visit Hallstatt too (including a short ferry crossing).
Let’s Talk About Diversity and Inclusion
On March 6, 2024, the University of Passau was awarded the 'Shaping Diversity' certificate by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft e.V. (Donors' Association for the Promotion of Sciences and Humanities in Germany). This marks the successful completion of the diversity audit in which the University has participated since the end of 2021 and certifies that the University recognizes the diversity of its students and employees and furthermore embraces this diversity for new opportunities in potential for organisational development.
Keeping in context of the Diversity Audit and in collaboration with Dimas D. Laksmana and Enid Still from the Chair of Critical Development Studies, we have collected articles for previous issues of the Welcome Centre Newsletter. Now we are happy to present these contributions as a collection in the form of our magazine Let's Talk About Diversity and Inclusion.
Science Slam Diversity
For the second time, the Science Slam Diversity will be showcasing the research in diversity at our University as part of German Diversity Day. All participants have eight minutes to present their research topics and win over the audience. So be there when the slammers compete for fame, honour and your favour with their outstanding contributions on 28 May 2024 at 18:00 in ITZ 017 with simultaneous English translation via ZOOM!
Please register via Stud.IP under 62306. There is also the possibility of childcare by pedagogical expert Daniela Leirich. You can register for this on the Family Service website.
The Science Slam Diversity will take place in presence in ITZ 017, but will also be broadcast online via Zoom and simultaneously translated into English by experienced language interpreter Dr Jackson.
If you have any questions, please send an email directly to diversity@uni-passau.de.
(68832) Online Seminar: Teaching in Multicultural Learning Environments (in English)
With the rapid increase in globalisation, cultural diversity and intercultural contact are part of daily life, especially in the university context. The number of international students at German universities is growing every year, enriching the interactions among students and staff and enabling ‘internationalisation at home’. However, it highlights the need for cultural literacy and intercultural competence in order to prevent misunderstandings and promote development of positive relationships and dialogue. This seminar therefore focuses on culture and communication, first creating awareness of participants’ own cultural imprints and resulting communication patterns and then using these as a foundation to reflect on other cultural backgrounds and communication. Participants will then use their gained insight to further develop their sensitivity for possible hurdles and develop strategies to avoid them. The aim is for participants to acquire a greater ability and range of approaches to foster appropriate communication in intercultural interaction situations that they regularly encounter, such as the classroom, tutorials, consultation hours etc.
Registration and more information via Stud.IP (68832)
Prerequisites for participation:
Teaching experience at a Bavarian university
English language skills at least at CEFR level B2
Call For Papers: 10 years BMW Summer School – Exciting program on AI for Future Mobility
In the week of June 30 – July 5, 2024 BMW Summer School (co-organized by EURECOM, TUM, and BMW Group with the support of BayFrance, Franco-German University, German-French Academy for the Industry of the Future, and IVADO ) will convene young researchers and (post)graduate students for another week of debate on opportunities and challenges of trustworthy artificial intelligence for the future of mobility and beyond. In addition, there will be a mini-hackathon. In collaboration with Chip Design Germany, a special grant will be awarded to the best poster submitted from the field of semiconductors, chip design, and efficient hardware solutions for AI.
In collaboration with TUM Venture Labs, they will be awarding a grant for the best poster submitted in that field. Several more grants may be allocated, please make sure to submit your application timely enough – first come, first serve. Call for poster submissions are suitable for all academic disciplines. Submit your poster here before May 24.
Check out the current draft program
For further information click here.
Recommendation Corner: A Trip on the Granitbahn
In each newsletter, there will be an idea for a quick getaway close to Passau.
Have you already discovered the train tracks in the Innstadt, which belong to the historic Granitbahn? Last year it started running again on Sundays and public holidays from Passau main station via Passau-Rosenau to Passau-Lindau, and it is a great opportunity for discovering the surroundings of Passau whilst having a great view on the way. If sightseeing without having to walk is your thing, don`t miss the chance to take the Granitbahn: You can buy tickets here and you can access the timetable here.
In addition, there are six themed trips that they organise on special occasions.
Next trip on Saturday, 1 June 2024
To celebrate "International Children's Day" on Saturday, June 1st, there will be a free trip on the Granitbahntrain from Passau main station to Passau-Lindau and back for children up to the age of 14.
- Tour guide by the young railroad professionals Bastian and Dorian
- Free travel for all children
- Impressive panoramic view of the Passau Old Town
- Fascinating view from the Kräutlstein Bridge
- There will also be a little surprise for children!
Registration via the Homepage.
Enjoy your train ride with the best view!
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