Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.

Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 1

Organisation committee ISWI 2007

Ilmenau Technical University
P.O. Box 100565
98684 Ilmenau
Germany

Telephone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 - 19 46
Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 - 1945
E-Mail: info@iswi.org
WWW: http://iswi.org

International Student Week in Ilmenau

1st till 10th June 2007

“ISWI 2007 – time to think”

„Live as if you will die tomorrow, but learn as if you will live forever.” (M. Gandhi)

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 2

Let’s talk about education

Education - what does it mean? Is it limited to our time in school or do we refer to lifelong learning?
We think about concepts like “society of knowledge”, but is today’s society really aware of its
responsibility to educate? The problem of the high rate of illiteracy is well known, but how can we
make education accessible to everyone and how can we give all people the same educational
opportunities? Should the content of teaching depend on the particular society and culture or should
there be essential general knowledge for everyone? How topical are curricula at all? And how can it
be that we train experts, who fail within the ranges of the everyday life?

Some of these questions people face every day, some less often. We invite young people from all
over the world to ask new questions and search for answers.
But one thing is certain: Thinking is necessary to act responsibly and to be able to make changes.
We want to invite you to meet new people, to search together for ways into a peaceful world and –
the most important – to become friends at ISWI 2007!

At the same time, during ISWI 2007, the heads of state and government of the richest and most
powerful countries meet in Heiligendamm, Germany at the G8 summit behind a wall of wire and
steel admitting the general public.
We want to offer an alternative with open and free discussion, because it is our honest belief that our
nowadays and future problems only can be solved by that way.
That is why we ask you to join ISWI 2007 and make it an unforgettable experience for everybody
participating.

Your ISWI 2007 - Organisation Committee

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

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Have a warm welcome

Dear students,
Dear participants of the “International Student Week in Ilmenau” 2007,

I cordially invite you to the ISWI 2007. ISWI stands for “International Student Week in Ilmenau”. This
international conference takes place at the Technische Universität Ilmenau for the eighth time and is
organized by students of the university.
The aim of ISWI is to provide a forum where students, scientists and outstanding public figures from
all over the world can meet and exchange their ideas, opinions and visions. Young people of different
origins, diverse cultures and various religions come to Ilmenau to present and discuss their views on
current problems and get new stimuli for their further studies.
The motto of ISWI 2007 is „time to think” which is the starting point of the debate. A wide range of
linked topics will be discussed in the groups. Current global problems will be analyzed in
conversations and discussions about the main topic “Education” from many different points of view
and possible solutions will be worked out.
About 350 students from all over the world participated in ISWI 2005. This meeting was extremely
successful and developed visions for a peaceful cooperation of all people tolerating different opinions
and religions.
The Technische Universität Ilmenau will be an excellent host for a successful festival in 2007, too.
Numerous interesting workshops will be held which give you the chance to have profitable
discussions, to establish new contacts, and to get an insight into current problems of the world. The
discussions will be supported by experts from all over the world.
I cordially invite you to discuss important questions of general interest, and I look forward to welcome
you to Ilmenau in June 2007!

Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Scharff

Rector of Technische Universität Ilmenau

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

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It’s your turn...

The main part of the thematic work of ISWI 2007 will be the group work on the different topics. A
lecture will be given on every topic by an expert. During group work you will get the chance to
exchange experiences and attitudes in groups of 15-20 participants.
In your application you may choose your favourite three workgroups. Because of the big amount of
applications it may be that your first choice cannot be considered. But we try our best to fulfil your
wishes. You can still change your work group until the deadline for applications (February, 15th). After
this no more changes will be accepted.

The following topics are fixed to discuss during the week:

1. Philosophy and History of Education
2. Education as Human Right
3. Education in the Future
4. Psychology of Learning
5. Interaction between Education and Economy
6. Interaction between Education and Politics
7. Interaction between Education and Media
8. Interaction between Education and Science
9. Education and Religion
10. Education and Ecology
11. Art
12. Documentation

Please visit our homepage to get the latest information (www.iswi.org).

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 5

Our workgroups

1. Philosophy and History of Education

1.1 “Education, what is it?” or “I know that I don’t know anything” (workgroup 1.1)

It is said, it’s one of the mainstays of the civilisation. It brings us the knowledge that can relieve
world suffering and is further yet present in change, plight and rebuilding. It generates gaps
which need to be closed. For some it is the highest ambition, for others a necessary evil.
We talk about education. But what is this, actually - education? There are few other terms
which are used so inflationary and possess so many different facets at the same time. By
studying historical and modern philosophical works and definitions, the participants will have
the opportunity to work through many of these facets and to get to know the complexity of the
concept in this group. They can look forward to an interesting discourse on a subject which is
seldom discussed in this manner. Only those who understand terms properly and know their
scope, can also change the current state.
Prof. Dr. Anton Hügli, a well known philosopher from Basel, Switzerland, will give a lecture in
this group.

1.2 Education in changing times –

He, who doesn’t know his history, also can’t form the future. (workgroup 1.2)

Since the beginning of humanity human beings have been learning. The ability to make
conclusions and comprehend distinguishes human beings from other animals. This is one
approach of some scientists. However, how did everything start and how did the knowledge
leading up to today‘s institutionalised education develop?
How did the first people and later the people in the antiquity, the middle Ages and all other
human epochs learn? How did they pass on their knowledge? Which mistakes have been made
and how can we avoid such mistakes in the future?
This group will concentrate on the development of the educational system in a historical
context to draw possible conclusions for the future.
Additionally Prof. Dr. Brandon Dooley, professor at the International University Bremen,
Germany, will give a lecture about “Educating Past and Present”.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 6

2. Education as human right (workgroup 2)

Education is a human right which plays a significant role in the tolerance and the understanding of
all nations. That is why the international equal opportunity on education disregarding gender, age
and origin is the most important requirement.
Unfortunately, this right still does not exist in some countries. While in most nations school
attendance is natural and mandatory, yet few children in the less and least developed countries
receive this chance. Article 26 of the “UN Declaration of Human Rights” contains not only the right
to education, but also the purposes linked with it. In addition to school education there are
mentioned things like the international understanding among nations, the support of women and
protection of children against exploitation and abuse, environment protection and the control of
the population growth.
This group shall discuss ways to attain international equal educational opportunities and to find
possible solutions for implementing Article 26 in all nations.
Our amnesty international group in Ilmenau will organise the workgroup and an expert for a
lecture.
Additionally Heike Kammer, winner of the Human Rights Award of the city of Weimar in 1999, will
organise a workshop dealing with the topic of peacekeeping through education.

3. Education in the future (workgroup 3)

“Nothing endures but change.” (Heraclitus, (540 BC - 480 BC))

All aspects of our life are permanently changing. Nobody can predict the future, but today we set
the basics for it. So it is our turn to change the status quo, especially in terms of education as a
fundamental basis of every society. But how will it change in the future? And what effects will it
have on society? Will it develop into a “knowledge society” with lifelong learning like it is promised
by many experts? Or shall we come back to a modest life of renunciation?
There are many interesting aspects to discuss. How and what will we learn in the future? Which
requirements can appear and how will people react? Can rankings, like PISA, help us to improve
the educational systems? And how can everybody be involved in education? Will only the well
skilled people “survive”?
As an expert we could win Bernard Hugonnier, Deputy-Director for Education in the Organisation
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 7

4. Psychology of learning
Knowledge and the obtainment of skills first assume a learning process which contains more than
only simple acquiring of fact knowledge. Learning is a process which begins in the infancy and
continues till old age. Therefore learning to obtain knowledge becomes an elementary component
of our consciousness and humanity.
One aim of this group is to cause an exchange of experiences on the subject of knowledge
mediation considering latest results of the research and psychological theories. Another aim is to
discuss the process of manipulation and seduction in connection with psychology.
To deal with a wide spectrum of this topic, the following two work groups are planned.

4.1 Methods of teaching and learning (workgroup 4.1)

The institutional knowledge mediation at schools and universities has a long tradition. However,
how contemporary are the teaching contents and educational plans? How and what does a
person actually learn?
The brain research delivers new knowledge about the biological process while studying. How
can these be used to allow a more efficient learning? And what is called “efficient” learning? All
this and still a lot more should be discussed and analyzed in this group.
As experts we could win Prof. Dr. Hasselhorn, president of the German Society for Psychology,
from Göttingen, Germany and Dr. Katrin Hille from Ulm, Germany, head for research in the
Centre of Neuro-science and Learning (Zentrum für Neurowissenschaften und Lernen) to give a
lecture.

4.2 Values, value mediation, manipulation (workgroup 4.2)

Children only have a limited ability to form their own opinion about the world. They depend
on the standards set by other people. On the one hand this is a necessary process, but on the
other hand it includes the possibility that children and also adults can be manipulated or
abused for certain purposes.
As a central topic of this workshop we want to work out what and who influences the value
posture of a person. Which methods are used to cause certain feelings and ways of thinking? Is
there a possibility to keep our critical mind? How can we search for personal standards and
how to find them?
Prof. Dr. Peter Schmuck from the Technische Universität Berlin, Germany will give a lecture on
this topic.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 8

5. Interaction between Education and Economy (workgroup 5)

The interdependence between economy and education is a contentious issue. New and highly
complicated products can only be developed by a suitable basic research. It is mostly the state that
contributes the essential money for this work. On the other hand only the economy’s specific order
research develops the products into a marketable commodity. Does this mean that the economy is
the sole beneficiary of public financed basic research? The education of future employees at schools
and universities is a similar case. The call for high specified manpower is everywhere, but financial
impulses given by economy still keep waiting. Do companies have to contribute their part or is
everybody responsible for himself?

6. Interaction between Education and Politics (workgroup 6)

Today’s societies are facing a fast and immense technological change. Therefore, new attempts and
methods are demanded. In its Lisbon Strategy the European Union – for example - recognizes the
necessity of a lifelong learning in order to be able to counteract our economic and social problems.
Other countries have to fight growing problems of a poor educational policy, as well. What can
politicians do to solve these problems and how can they put their knowledge into practice? Do they
follow their promises for higher educational expenses and is this sufficient?
Another important aspect of the interaction between policy and education is the shaping and
ventilation of public opinion. While most western democracies suffer from poor polling, other states
counteract with compulsory voting. But this does not necessarily lead to a stronger political activity.
Hence, it raises the question how far the state should educate its citizens to political participation.
For this group we could win PhD Valeriu Frunzaru from the State University of Political and
Administrative Studies in Bucharest to hold a lecture.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 9

7. Interaction between Education and Media

7.1 Power of Media (workgroup 7.1)

Education assumes a permanent flow of information which can be processed by the respective
person. This flow of information is also allowed by media. No matter whether books, television,
radio, Internet or also our friends and relatives - media provide us with the information we
need to explain the world, if we do not have the chance to touch, experience or see something
itself. However, whether consciously or unconsciously wrong, one-sided or insufficient
information about a distorted picture can lead to a picture of this “transfigured world”, which
must not have necessarily a lot in common with the reality. Media have a big responsibility.
They have the ability to decide which information is passed on. But do they attend on their
duty? How do media behave as a global spin doctor? Which influence they can have on
decisions of the society and her decisive bearers?
How do we prevent the manipulation of media? And how can we discover such manipulations
in general? Should media be supervised? And if so, who should do it? In this group we want to
find answers for those and many more questions.
Danny Schechter, director and author of critical media will give a lecture about this topic. He
founded “globalvision” and “mediachannel”. Please visit www.globalvision.org or
www.mediachannel.org.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 10

7.2 Open Source (workgroup 7.2)

About sixty thousand years ago humans began to talk. Hence they were able to transfer basic
information from one generation to the next.
About six thousand years ago the first writings were made. That is why knowledge of this time is
partially passed down till nowadays.
About six hundred years ago printing was at a point of development that facilitated more
people than ever before in Europe to access books and education. An unbelievable amount of
information written down in this time is still available today.
About sixty years ago Konrad Zuse completed the first functional tape-stored-program-
controlled computer and introduced the digital era. This was an enormous step towards
unlimited information for every human being. But how does it look with the access rights in
practice?
About six years ago a new millennium began and far less than one percent of humankind is
granted access to the source code of an operating system, which prefers more than ninety
percent of computer users. Medicine recipes – needed by thousands of fatally ill humans - are
often bound to the originator for years.
Mankind was searching for ways to distribute information for centuries while the prior one was
dominated by the desire to make information unavailable to everybody. Maybe companies
would loose interest in innovation if they weren’t the only ones deriving benefit from it. Maybe
more practical inventions - or more at all - were made if everybody could follow the process of
development and put his two cents in. Maybe there’s an ideal path right in the middle.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 11

8. Interaction between education and science

8.1 Conversation between Science and society (workgroup 8.1)

Our everyday life is determined by many technologies whose functioning almost nobody
understands anymore. Is it still realistic to pursue the aim of the “mature” citizen? How can this
complex knowledge be communicated understandably and appropriately to the target groups
and society? Additionally to schools, public media are one of the most important ways to
communicate between science and general public.
Up to now schools are slow to react to the rapidly rising complexity of science. Instead, new
discoveries, for example around the subjects of artificial intelligence or quantum physics find
entrance in the public discussion in transfigured form, for example by science fiction films. Is
this the way it should be?
Also science itself changes. The relation between the disciplines of science develops again to a
comprehensive perception.
Problems appear in terms of science and research crossing the borders of the professional
disciplines, like physics or chemistry.
There is a rising inquiry for interdisciplinary qualified specialists to find new, creative solutions.
However, also in this case a suitable answer of the basic educational institutions is still
outstanding. Why do these demands still attach this less importance in school and other
established educational institutions?
This group will discuss the possibilities to improve the communication between science and the
basic educational institutions on the one hand and science and society on the other hand.

8.2 Ethics of science (workgroup 8.2)

Science produces knowledge and knowledge is power, but how does science handle with it?
Who has an access to this knowledge? Should knowledge be a common property? Or can you
call the knowledge your property, if you had paid for the exploration of it? Are there any
reasons to withhold certain knowledge from the general public, if, for example, the results are
hardly to be estimated? Or should scientific research know no borders and try out everything
possible? At this point should be discussed the old, but more and more urgent question of the
responsibility of science for our society.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 12

9. Education and Religion (workgroup 9)

Religions are regarded as an inherent part of culture in most nations. They form communal
structures, create solidarity, coin a society by traditions and public holidays. They provide possible
explanations of events in the history of mankind and at the same time of our own identity.
Due to this big influence on the society, religion is and has been often abused. The power of single
religious leaders plays a central role here. Which tensions can appear between the sense of
responsibility and the temptation of abuse and manipulation? In this context we have to discuss
how the mediation of religious values should occur to prevent conflicts by reducing the potential on
an intercultural level. To what extent should dogma be questioned? Shall values be redefined in
change of time? And if so, how can a redefinition considering the roots look like? Is it generally
possible to solve the existing conflicts between the religions by reformation, approach and more
tolerance? Can a consensus be found?

10. Education and Ecology (workgroup 10)

Nature is the basis of human life; nevertheless we don‘t treat it this way polluting the air and water,
exterminating animals and plants, exploiting the ground. Consequences of this already can be seen.
We mention keywords like the greenhouse effect, the ozone hole or desertification and water
shortage.
What needs to happen, until mankind realizes the terrible situation it is facing? Or is it just a
pessimistic exaggeration?
This group should deal with the state of our environment and consequences for our acting,
especially related to education.
Does education provide a solution to the pollution and destruction of our environment? How does
ecological education look like? And what does ecological consciousness include?
For this group we could win Raúl Montenegro, recipient of the Right Livelihood Award 2004.
It is a great honour for us that he participates in our student week.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 13

11. Art

11.1 Theatre (workgroup 11.1)

Theatre – an interaction and communication between the actors and the audience. People on
stage perform their interpretation of a play and the audience has to criticise. Are these the two
roles fixed in the theatre? Or is there more? Can the audience be the actors? Has the audience
to think or just to enjoy? Is there a link between theatre and education? How does it deal with
the subject of education in general? Is there an “educational theatre”?
In this group the participants have the possibility to discuss the influence of education on the
theatre and vice versa, as well as to work out their own concept and to realise it. We give them
a stage at the ISWI 2007.

11.2 Literature (workgroup 11.2)

Literature – a medium of the past? Not at all! Literature is still one of the most important
knowledge mediators. The written word still transports a huge amount of information, even if
electronic media become more important compared to books and newspapers. Therefore, it is
important for us to bring also this part of the art and culture to the ISWI 2007. Additionally to a
debate on the subject of interaction between literature and education, this group deals with
creation of new literature regarding questions of this topic. A writing circle is planned.

11.3 Photography (workgroup 11.3)

To get a picture of something, but not just to see and show the superficial. The ability of
photography can do a lot more than the daily photos of some tourists. To catch situations, to
stick a moment and to express it in a context, is a high skill.
The participants get the opportunity to discover ISWI 2007 to get another perspective of
education with the camera.
The group will be lead by Lisa Vanovitch, a young photographer from Germany, studying now
in Glasgow.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 14

11.4 Architecture (workgroup 11.4)

Education needs a home. Without offering free spaces to learn and teach, the institutional
education can not get along. But how these areas have to be designed and what do they have
to contain? How can you build up such buildings as fast and mobile as possible to give the
fundamental right of education the necessary four walls everywhere in the world?
As practical part it is planned to design such a building.
We will pitch a tent on the campus, where you can directly get creative and develop a forward-
looking concept that we want to hand over to a non-governmental organisation.

11.5 Design (workgroup 11.5)

Whether graphic arts, plastic or action art – there are many possibilities to give shape and form
to education. The participants can bring along their ideas on the subject, meet different people
with other views and become creative together. On a following vernissage they can present
their results.

11.6 Music (workgroup 11.6)

Music is an expression of emotions. Sounds and noises are connected to a composition, which
affects us. It produces reactions. Whether positive or negative, is left to the observer. But has it
also an influence on our education? If so, how do we explain this influence? Is playing an
instrument an indicator of elevated education or rather the pure desire to express oneself? We
want to find answers and the participants are asked to bring along their instruments, voices and
creativity, because ISWI invites them to a jam session.

11.7 Film (workgroup 11.7)

People were always fascinated by moving pictures and got inspired. The film gives us a medium
to express our fantasy and communicate ourselves to other people overcoming nearly every
borderline. Appropriately the movie can serve as source of information allowing the insight not
only into culture and thoughts of other people, but also into thought processes.
This group deals with the consideration of the movie as art and as medium for knowledge
transfer. Additionally to the discussion, it is planned to give the chance to conceive and shoot a
film.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 15

11.8 Video-art *new* (workgroup 11.8)

As the medial reflector of ISWI 2007, the video art-group will try to capture and transport the
events around ISWI in video installations and live-video performances. The basics to do this are
a set of lectures and workshops given by video artists, teaching common video art-practices as
well as introducing hard- and software from the video art-sector. The so acquired knowledge
will then be practically realised in installations containing video-materials from other ISWI
groups. The intention of the workshop is to convert an old glassworks into a modern media-art-
lounge, with a strong thematic reference to the ISWI. The media-art-lounge will also serve as a
point of information, meeting and communication. A main focus is the interaction between the
video installations and the audience and the testing of innovative user interfaces.

12. Documentation (workgroup 12)

You always wanted to work as a journalist or at the radio? The documentation group gives you
the chance to report daily about the ISWI 2007 using several media. For example you can write
articles for a newspaper and a final documentation, interview participants and take pictures.
Additionally you have the possibility to be daily on air in collaboration with our radio “hsf”, so
that everyone is perfectly informed.

Other great lecturer at ISWI 2007

We are very proud to welcome Prof. Dr. Klaus von Klitzing, the German Nobel prize winner
1985, here in Ilmenau. He will give a lecture concerning his career and the global problems the
mankind is confronted with.
We hope to present you many more. We try our very best.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 16

Information for potential participants

Who can apply and How to apply?

ISWI 2007 is open to all students at universities and colleges, no matter where are you from. For
insurance and liability reasons you have to be at least 18 years old by June 1st, 2007.
If you would like to participate, please either fill in the application form accurately and send it to the
Organisation Committee of ISWI 2007 by mail, fax or e-mail. Or, if possible, apply via internet using
http://iswi.org (preferable, as it means less work for us). Of course, both ways of applying are treated
equally when we select participants for ISWI 2007. Remember to apply as soon as possible, but not
later than 15th of February, 2007. Please write down your motivation for wanting to join ISWI 2007
and a short statement why you have chosen the specific main topic you want to participate in and tell
us what comes to your mind when you hear our motto “time to think” (about 200 words each). Use
your own words and ideas and don’t take any texts from Internet, newspapers etc. (Of course, this
will lead to immediate disqualification!). The texts will serve as basis for the selection process to
choose the participants we will invite.
You will know if you are accepted as one of 360 participants as soon as you receive the Official
Invitation which will be mailed in February or March 2007 – Please be patient and refrain from asking
constantly – we will appreciate it.

Cultural Entertainment

The programme of the week includes activities such as theatre performances and music events. We
will organise an Open Air concert, an International Brunch and artistic performances. Participants will
also have time to experience the area of Ilmenau or just lie on the grass. There will also be parties in
our four student clubs on campus.
For a multimedia event we would also like you to send us your own multimedia contributions
like film, photography, music etc., which might deal with our main topic “education”.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 17

Language

The conference language is English. Therefore the participants should have a good level of written
and spoken English.

Travel and Accommodation

You will have to pay your own travel expenses and your visa costs. You do not have to pay a fee for
participating in ISWI 2007; accommodation, meals as well as festival events will be free of charge for
participants. You will be accommodated in student houses with students from Ilmenau, who will be
your personal hosts. Please bring along a sleeping bag and an insulation mat (Do not worry, nobody
will have to sleep outside, that is for sure!). You also will be covered by free health insurance for the
time of ISWI 2007. We will do our best to enable handicapped students to take part in our festival
(please note in your application if you need special care).

Visa

Every participant has to make sure to fulfil the necessary passport and visa requirements for Germany
and transit countries. You might want to ask at the nearest German embassy or consulate.
If you will need a visa, please apply as soon as possible at the appropriate institution after you will
have received your Official Invitation from us. The Official Invitations, signed by our university, will
generally help to acquire your visa. Proofs about your student status from the rector/officials of your
university might be supportive, too. You may find the nearest German embassy in the internet at
www.auswaertiges-amt.de.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 18

Getting involved

Participants will also be given the chance to get actively involved in carrying out the festival. If you
want to take part as groupleader, please contact us. You also have the possibility to give a 20 min
lasting lecture. Please send along an abstract of your lecture together with your application or at least
a few weeks before the festival starts, because we have to organise a room and the material you need.
If you can play an instrument or have a national costume, bring it along. You may also give a musical
contribute in one of the student clubs or show a national dance from your country. Or just cook a
meal from your country…Please contact us as soon as possible, if you want to do something special at
ISWI 2007.

Ilmenau

Ilmenau with its 32.500 inhabitants (2005) is situated in the middle of the German free state of
Thuringia. The town, which’s history can be traced back to the thirteenth century, is surrounded by
the mountains of the Thuringian forest, one of
the largest forested regions of central Europe.
Since medieval times the economy has been
based on mining and the production of glass and
porcelain. Today the University is the largest
employer. The town is strongly linked with the
work of the poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The annually rainfall of 1635mm and the average
temperature of 8,5°C make the mostly good
weather during ISWI a welcome exception.

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany
Initiative Solidarische Welt Ilmenau e.V.
Technische Universität Ilmenau

Page 19

Technische Universität Ilmenau

The Technische Universität Ilmenau was founded as an Institute for Technology in 1894 and is now
the most important institution in the area. Most of the 7200 students - registered in technical,
economic and scientific faculties - live in the university residences on campus. There are several
student clubs, a student café, a student radio, two student news-papers and a student-TV. There is
also a variety of cultural associations like the folk and the jazz club, the university orchestra and choir
as well as several sports clubs.
Contact

Organisation Committee ISWI 2007

Technische Universität Ilmenau
P.O. Box 100565
98684 Ilmenau
Germany

Telephone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 - 19 46
Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 - 1945
E-Mail: info@iswi.org
WWW: http://iswi.org

ISWI e.V. Phone: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 46 Internet: www.iswi.org

Postfach 100565 Fax: +49 / 36 77 / 69 – 19 45 E-Mail: info@iswi.org
98684 Ilmenau, Germany