Dreamland Deutschland?

Each year thousands of students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries go to study in Germany. There are over 30.000 students from India enrolled in German universities alone now. While starting a university course is a huge challenge, doing so in a foreign country can bring additional challenges while navigating the day-to-day life: from difficulties with the new language, different cultural context, climate to administrational requirements and many more. At the same time, it might bring valuable new experiences, enlightening encounters and moments of joy and celebration.

We are excited to invite you to participate in a project that aims to capture the diverse experiences of South Asian students during their initial weeks in Germany. This project, titled 'Dreamland Deutschland?' seeks to turn your personal stories into captivating comics and graphic narratives that reflect individual journeys and showcases the many levels of cultural exchange between South Asia and Germany.

Objective

Share your firsthand experiences of your initial days in Germany through written narratives.

Selection

The most compelling stories will be chosen to be transformed into visually engaging comics and graphic narratives.

Medium

Selected stories will be illustrated by graphic artists, creating visually stunning and culturally rich comics and graphic narratives.

Publication: Selected stories will be professionally illustrated and published as part of a comics and graphic novels collection. Stories will be published and distributed online as well as in printed format.

Cultural Exchange: Contribute to a project that promotes cross-cultural understanding by sharing your unique perspective.

Recognition: Your story can have your name if you wish. It is also possible to remain anonymous.

Eligibility

Open to all students from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka currently studying or graduated in or after 2022 from Germany. The call is open to students and graduates from all areas – humanities as well as natural sciences and technology.

Submission Format

• Write a detailed account of your experiences during your first weeks in Germany.
• Focus on moments of culture shock, delightful surprises, challenges overcome, or any other unique encounters.
• Word Limit: 500-800 words.

Submission Deadline

Day: Tuesday
Date: 15.05.2024
Time: 11:59 PM IST