DAAD Prizewinners in MV

For more than ten years, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has awarded the annual DAAD Prize to international students for outstanding achievements at German universities. This aims to put a face to students from across the globe and provide them with an opportunity to tell their story. The DAAD has set itself the task of advancing the internationalisation of German universities.

A period of stay abroad is a win-win situation for both countries, because the students take a portion of culture, knowledge etc. back to their home countries and they leave their own marks abroad, enriching lectures and seminars and broadening the horizons of every student.

The DAAD Prize recognises excellent academic achievements, as well as community work and intercultural activities. It is sponsored by its namesake, the DAAD. The finalists receive both a certificate and prize money of 1,000 EUR.

We would like to give a face to MV’s prizewinners and tell you their stories:

DAAD Prizewinner Gonzalo Landau Brenes

The student teacher, Gonzalo Landau Brenes, who grew up in Panama, is the winner of the DAAD Prize 2020. After completing secondary school, he worked as a town and tour guide, during which he discovered his great interest in history and his enthusiasm for teaching things to others. Gonzalo Landau has successfully been studying to become a teacher of history and German at Gymnasien (grammar schools) at the University of Greifswald since 2017 and alongside his studies, he provides tutorials on an introduction to historical studies and ancient history in his role as student assistant. His community work makes him stand out from the crowd. For example, he provides after-school help and volunteers in the field of media education at the ComputerSpielSchule Greifswald (CSG), a club for learning more about computer games.

DAAD Prizewinner Sati-Noah Jimenez

The cellist and student at the Rostock University of Music and Drama (hmt Rostock), Sati-Noah Jimenez, was awarded the DAAD Prize 2019 for his outstanding artistic achievements and his involvement in community work. Born in Bolivia and raised in Brazil and France, he has gained intercultural experience that has not only influenced his musical style, but also encouraged him to get involved in community work. For example, the cellist contributes towards concerts held at social facilities for free and campaigns against intolerance, right-wing extremism and racism.

DAAD Prizewinner Sara Qarqash

Born in Syria, Sara Qarqash came to Germany in 2015 and is now successfully studying medicine at the University of Greifswald. Together with her family, she fled her home country for Jordan in 2012, where the student took part in a German course. Ms Qarqash was able to advance her language proficiency at Greifswald’s Studienkolleg (preparatory courses). She was awarded the DAAD Prize in 2018 for her excellent study achievements and involvement in community work: Alongside her studies, Sara Qarqash works as a tutor for students at earlier stages of their degrees and as a care support worker at the University Hospital. She also helped out as a translator for refugees at the Job Centre and the hospital.

DAAD Prizewinner Fatma Bouchareb

Fatma Bouchareb, graduate of the master’s degree course Agricultural Science, received the DAAD Prize 2017 for her commitment and excellent achievements. The Tunisian student’s command of five languages enabled her to collect valuable primary data for her master’s dissertation in Burkina Faso. UAS Neubrandenburg is proud of its representative, who held a presentation at the “Rural Future Lab” on the topic of “Rural Youths at the Forefront” – Visions for the Future of Rural Regions, which led to an invitation to the G20 Summit in July 2017.

DAAD Prizewinner Siddarth Marwaha

The Indian student, Siddarth Marwaha, is studying for a master’s in Electrical Engineering and was awarded the DAAD Prize 2018 for his excellent study achievements and voluntary community work. The student at the University of Rostock showed a high level of commitment for international students during his work as International Student Advisor. He supervised the Buddy Programme, which supports refugees who were interested in studying in Rostock, and represented the Students' Union (AStA) and the university at numerous events.

DAAD Prizewinner Omar Alroumi

Omar Alroumi was awarded the DAAD Prize for his excellent study achievements and his voluntary community work. He fled from Syria in 2015 and came to Stralsund. He started his master’s degree course in Mechanical Engineering at UAS Stralsund in March 2017. Regarding his community work: Omar started off working for the Diakonie as a voluntary interpreter and now helps other asylum seekers to find their way in Germany as he has experienced the challenges and difficulties at first hand.