Strategic Internationalisation

The Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) pursues an internationalisation strategy that embeds international perspectives across teaching, research, and administration. The strategy is aligned with the global challenges of the sustainability community and integrates internationalisation into the University’s structures.

The strategy focuses on the following areas of action and objectives:

Strengthening International Networks and Cooperation

HNEE aims to be a globally visible and well-connected university by strategically expanding its international networks and partnerships. The development of long-term strategic alliances sharpens the University’s international profile, while centralised systems for recording and managing collaborations improve oversight and effectiveness. International partners are actively engaged in research, teaching, and exchange activities to promote global knowledge transfer and enhance the quality of education for all members of the University community.

Expanding Mobility and Intercultural Competencies

International mobility and intercultural skills are integral to education and professional development at HNEE. Mobility windows within degree programmes make it easier for students to study abroad, while new double and joint degree programmes strengthen academic exchange. Accompanying language and intercultural training equips students, teaching staff, and employees with the skills needed for international experiences. At the same time, sustainable mobility concepts are being developed to address the balance between climate protection and international exchange.

Creating an International Campus Environment

A vibrant international campus forms the foundation of a diverse and inclusive university culture. HNEE strengthens its welcoming culture through bilingual communication and comprehensive support structures for international guests and members of the University community. Measures such as the targeted integration of international students and staff, and the introduction of a mentoring programme, support orientation and networking on campus. At the same time, collaboration with regional partners is intensified to promote intercultural and social skills beyond the campus and to enhance HNEE’s appeal as a place to study and work.

Digitalisation as a Driver of Internationalisation

Digitalisation offers new opportunities to advance internationalisation at HNEE. Hybrid teaching formats and digital mobility options expand access to international exchange and foster intercultural collaboration. Digital systems for managing mobility and partnerships streamline administrative processes and improve efficiency. A targeted refresh of online communication strengthens engagement with international audiences, supporting both student recruitment and collaboration with global partners.

Development of the internationalisation strategy

As part of the HNEE Internationalisation 2.0 project, funded through the DAAD → HAW.International programme, the University updated its internationalisation strategy in a two-year participatory process, which was successfully adopted by the HNEE Senate on 22 November 2023. The development of the strategy followed an inclusive approach, incorporating the diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences of all members of the HNEE community. Through workshops, discussions, and continuous feedback, a dynamic vision for the future internationalisation of the University was created. The University extends its sincere thanks to the entire community for their committed support and cooperation throughout the project.

The adopted strategy will guide HNEE’s internationalisation efforts in the coming years. It provides the foundation for broader academic networking, international partnerships, and a stronger global positioning of HNEE.

HAW.International 2019 - 2023

Transformation for a Sustainable Future in South-East Asia-TranSEA

As part of the BMBF-funded DAAD HAW-International Module B programme, HNEE is implementing the Transformation for a Sustainable Future in South-East Asia (TranSEA) project.

The project aims to strengthen the interdisciplinary development of academic partnerships in South-East Asia and to connect HNEE’s existing partnerships, activities, and projects with partner universities in Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Expansion of cooperation with new partner universities and practical organisations has also been carried out. By bringing together various activities and projects in the region, planned initiatives were considered more strategically, synergies were created, and interdisciplinary collaboration with partner universities was established and expanded in a more targeted way.

Temple Yangon Myanmar
HAW.International 2022-2023

Internationalisation 2.0 - promoting international cooperation

The HAW.International project, Module A “Internationalisation 2.0”, aimed to strengthen international partnerships with South Africa and Canada, improve institutional framework conditions, and expand networks. Building on the TRANSECTS project (2022–2028), which promotes transdisciplinary research and education on biosphere reserves in collaboration with partner organisations, key steps were implemented. These included the development of a digital resource platform, regular coordination with international partners, the establishment of transdisciplinary learning labs, and the expansion of student and staff exchange and research visits. The learning labs are scheduled to be further developed by 2028 and supplemented with courses and micro-certificates for professionals.

The HNEE internationalisation strategy was also updated as part of the project and was adopted by the Senate in November 2023.

eine große Menschengruppe posiert für ein Gruppenfoto.