Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Cyberjaya—Exchange students from the Macromedia University for Media and Communication (MHMK) in Germany hosted a cultural festival showcasing the country’s cities and traditions through a fashion show and multimedia exhibit.
Exchange students from the Macromedia University for Media and Communication (MHMK) in Germany hosted a cultural festival showcasing the country’s cities and traditions through a fashion show and multimedia exhibit on 22 November 2013.
“We did the event to show the other students here at Limkokwing that Germany is not only about the Oktoberfest and Bavaria. We have different traditions and culture,” Kathrin Schmelter explains. “We have the yearly Carnival, for example.”
The exhibit featured the cities of Munich, Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Bremen, Dresden, and Frankfurt. Photos of local festivals, tourist sites, and food—which include the famous beer and hamburger—were displayed through panel boards and LED screens. The exchange students manned the booths, ready to answer questions and give away German-Malaysian pins and ID laces as tokens.
For Iranian Armin Nategnian, the exhibit accomplished its mission. “I was just passing-by and decided to check what’s happening when I saw the flag. I was born in Frankfurt so it caught my attention. I think the exhibit’s good. It introduced briefly what German culture is about, their costumes, ceremonies, and all that.”
The cultural festival’s highlight was the fashion show featuring traditional and modern clothes from different German regions. “We mostly represented the cities where we are and/or our school is from but we added those that are well-known too like Frankfurt for its airport and Düsseldorf for its elegance. We’re pretty satisfied with today’s event considering the time constraints,” says event-organizer Maria Morales Parodi.
“I love too my Limkokwing experience. I’m from Nicaragua so studying in Germany is a bit lonely—so to speak. I feel more at home here because of the diversity and so many different cultures. I’m actually considering coming back for my Master’s (degree) with another friend.”
Italian-German Mona Ciotta agrees and pointed-out the uniqueness of the activity. “Not many universities offer you the possibility of having an event like this. We’re so proud of representing Germany and we’re happy we were given the opportunity here to show where we are from.”
MHMK is one of Germany’s leading universities for media and communication, with campuses in Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne, Hamburg, and Berlin. In 2012, Limkokwing was offered to be one of its strategic partners in Asia under their Five-Continent University plan.
More than 20 MHMK students majoring in Media Management and Media and Communication Design participated in this semester’s exchange programme under Limkokwing University’s Faculty of Communication, Media, and Broadcasting (FCMB).
The students say they joined upon learning that Limkokwing is good and famous for design. The novelty of living in Asia was another key factor in their decision. Now that the semester is about to end, the consensus is both diverse and unanimous.
For Sara-Leona Seibert, it’s all about emphasis. “I like the support that this university gives to creativity and innovation. Everything has been done so far so our generation really has to think out of the box. We need universities that can teach us how to be creative and innovative; how to think about topics in another way.”
“The best experience for me is that Limkokwing is so multicultural. Our university only has Germans and a few from other countries. Here, you get to know so many different people,” shares Anna Weidner.
“Like for our projects, you basically get to know how to handle different cultures and how to get along with other people,” Vanessa Wendt adds.
“I think it’s about the whole combination of the study, the travel, and the people that makes it so special. It’s something we have to enjoy because it maybe just once in a lifetime,” says Paula Hohlfeld.
Once the semester ends, most will backpack across Asia before going back to Germany to complete their degrees. Some are already planning their return to Malaysia for post-graduate studies.
The exchange students offered other colourful descriptions of their Limkokwing experience but Laura Holder sums it up with one word and a bright smile, “Awesome!”
