The World at Home in Bremen: IGC Students Create Collaborative Solutions for Internationalization Challenges in Bremen

On January 28, 2026, the International Graduate Center (IGC) partnered with Lions Club International - Bremen Cosmopolitan to host a pivotal event focused on the challenges faced by international students in Bremen. This initiative showcased innovative, research-based solutions proposed by students in an engaging exposition titled "The World at Home in Bremen: Developing Solutions Together." Participants included students from the European and Asian Management and International Tourism Management MBA programs at IGC, attracting a diverse audience of academics, professionals, and representatives from local businesses and social organizations.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Prof. Dr. Gerrit Lohmann, an acclaimed environmental researcher and President of Lions Club International – Bremen Cosmopolitan, alongside Ramon Spiecker, Managing Director of IGC. Yi-Shan Shen, one of the student CEOs of the organizing committee, introduced the speakers, fostering an atmosphere ripe for vibrant idea exchange and networking. Derick Mukete served as the event moderator.

Seven student teams presented their research through dynamic poster pitches, addressing key issues relevant to both international students and Bremen's community:

• Single-Window Peer Service: Developed by Yi-Shan Shen, Athulya, Sahil Joshi, Harsh Maurya, Samira Parsa, and Pauline Nyiendo, this service alleviates information overload and simplifies processes for international students and young professionals.
• Enhanced User Experience: Created by Katrina Ligola Kandume, Maryam Pourjafari, Nusyba Mazid Neha, Rishabh Verma, and Suma Abhivandya, this solution integrates various digital platforms to streamline navigation and improve efficiency.
• Structured Mentorship Program: Envisioned by Vidhi Chhabra, Sourav Nag, Mugilarasi Kopa Sitrarasu, Sandra Tran, and Bhargavi Dharmarajan, this initiative fosters meaningful connections between international students and local professionals.
• Onboarding Solutions: Designed by Eduardo Mercadante, Derick Mukete, Sara Masrour, Aniket Pundge, and Rohit Khobragade, this concept facilitates acclimation for new international students through both digital and in-person experiences.
• Political Representation: Researched by Manak Sharma, Haritha Sreedhar, Brandon Chung Fukhloi, Yusif Mammadli, and Harsh Mahindrakar, this initiative addresses long-term engagement between international students and the city.
• Housing Solutions: Proposed by Sayan Sengupta, Manpreet Kaur, Arash Baramy, Neha Rawat, and Sobana Balakumaran, this project aims to combat housing scams through a trusted housing club.
• Access to Medical Support: Addressed by Pallavi Basavaraj, Ritaja Sen Gupta, Rupal Pandey, and Milad Karimi, this concept leverages digitization and trusted networks to ensure timely medical assistance.

Attendees, including representatives from various sectors, actively engaged with the presenters, exchanging actionable ideas and valuable feedback for future initiatives. Erwin Silaban from the Global Interactions Collective at Hochschule Bremen expressed gratitude, alongside Sayan Sengupta, co-head of the student organizing committee, to the participating teams and supporting organizations.

Special recognition was given to Sarah Franzeck for her pivotal role in conceptualizing and executing the event. Additional thanks were extended to the Career Service team, led by Dr. Monika Blaschke and Sana Arousse, as well as Lisa Heindl from Freiraum@HSB for her invaluable support in refining the teams' pitch deliveries.

This collaborative event exemplified the powerful synergy between students and institutions, paving the way for innovative solutions that benefit both the international student community and the broader city of Bremen.