Prof. Dr. Michael Fisch, Helwan University Egypt
Prof. Dr. Michael Fisch is a DAAD lecturer and full visiting professor in Cairo (Egypt). He teaches literature and philosophy at Helwan University and Cairo. He is also working on a Quran Tafsir – a Quran transcription and translation from a non-European perspective.
Prof. Dr. Fish, what fascinates you about Egypt and Cairo?
When you think of Egypt, the myth of the pharaohs and the memory of their rich culture always resonate. I am more interested in the Islamic history in this country, taking into account both Christian and Jewish culture. Egypt is an important region of origin for the three monotheistic religions. In Cairo I experienced a new reality every day. A metropolis of 20 million that is able to wonderfully resolve the supposed contradictions between religion and modernity, culture and everyday life.
Did you also witness the Arab Spring?
In 2011 I worked as a DAAD lecturer at the Tunisian University of Manouba in Tunis. So I experienced the upheavals in the Arab world - and they began in Tunisia - first hand. There have been major, even violent, political clashes in recent years at Cairo University in the center of the city. I personally witnessed bomb attacks and the use of tear gas. I was surprised by the tremendous willingness to use violence on all sides, which is unleashed almost automatically when crowds begin to move.
Does the political situation in the country also have an impact on the universities?
The country is politically divided and this social division extends into the seminars. If I were to take a stand for one side here, I would immediately have the other side against me. That's why I remain neutral. However, the universities are something of a refuge for young Egyptians, because here they can largely escape state and family control. That's why I prefer to give new impulses through literature and philosophy and to have an integrative effect so that the students can talk to each other.
You will read, among other things, texts from the Enlightenment with your students. Are their core statements perhaps helpful?
For example, we read Hegel and Kant, Kleist and Lessing. Students - whether in Egypt or Germany - can learn a lot about tolerance from Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's well-known ring parable from “Nathan the Wise”. I am very convinced that the major questions of humanity are discussed (not only) in German philosophy and literature and that valuable food for thought can also come from here for current conflicts. I implement these impulses in seminars so that the students try to transfer these possible theories into their individual life practices and test these ideas in discussions. The combination of theory and practice could, at best, lead to reflective thinking and considered action.
How do you experience everyday university life, the study conditions and the student body?
The facilities at universities usually leave a lot to be desired. Lecture halls are usually overcrowded and degrees are rarely recognized internationally. In addition, higher education often ignores the reality of the Egyptian labor market. A talent for improvisation is often required. On the other hand, the great willingness to help and strong friendliness is disarming. Students are highly motivated and their thirst for knowledge creates a great learning atmosphere. Apart from the language assistant, I am the only foreigner at Helwan University. However, Egyptian students are curious and respectful people who are happy when they can get in touch with a foreigner. Egyptian women are also self-confident and want to determine their own lives.
So do you feel completely integrated?
It is mostly respected that Europeans tend to live “freer”. But I myself am adapting to the Egyptian-Arab culture and now have hardly any contact with Germans. I like entering this other world, which has now become my second home. For me, Cairo is a wonderful and not just academic adventure. I can hardly imagine an academic life (only) in Germany anymore.
What importance does the German language have in Egypt?
After English, German ranks alongside French as the second foreign language in the language competition. German has been taught in Egypt for 151 years (since 1863 at the former language school “al-Alsun”) and interest is constantly growing. The number of students studying German and German as a foreign language is currently 10,000. This number has doubled within five years. With good knowledge of German, graduates can find work in German authorities, foundations, organizations, companies or even in a local call center, work as German teachers or pursue a university career. Some universities also organize job fairs where (German) companies specifically look for well-trained staff.
What view do Egyptian students have of Germany?
Germany generally enjoys a high reputation in Egypt. Interest in further studies in Germany is very high, as the Federal Republic is viewed by the majority as a role model in terms of economy and progress, lived tolerance and cultural plurality.
A German student would like to spend a semester abroad in Egypt: Would you recommend this?
Every year, 50,000 foreign students study a subject in Egypt, although there are hardly any Europeans among these foreign students. Unfortunately, access conditions are all too often complicated by bureaucracy, but it is certainly possible to spend a few semesters abroad there. There are now a surprising number of partnerships between German and Egyptian universities and you will hardly encounter any problems on site. Be it when looking for accommodation, university bureaucracy or questions about everyday life - solutions can usually be found.
Dr. Theresa Schenker, Yale University USA
Yale University in New Haven (Connecticut/USA) is one of the most renowned universities in the world. 49 Nobel Prize winners are on the alumni list and Bill and Hillary Clinton, Judith Butler and Jodie Foster have also pored over seminar papers here. Dr. Dr. ensures that today's Yale students learn German. Theresa Schenker. She leads the language program 'German as a Foreign Language', teaches courses and researches questions about foreign language acquisition and telecollaboration.
Miss Dr. Schenker, when he was accepted to Yale: What was that feeling like?
A bit unreal. I didn't expect the acceptance and I felt honored.
What is special about Yale for you?
The library! There is a huge selection of books and magazines and you can access all the items you might need online for free. The course size at Yale is very small – between 8 and 15 students. The furnishings of the rooms are perfect – there is really nothing missing.
Have you always wanted to work abroad?
Yes, that has actually been my goal for a long time. In the 11th grade I spent a year of high school in the USA - since then I wanted to return to the USA. I have always been fascinated by the American lifestyle.
How important do you think it is to stay abroad during your studies?
Very very important! I myself did my PhD at Michigan State University. It became clear to me: A stay abroad shows us the diversity of the world, cultural differences and special features; Not only do we learn to see the world with new eyes, but we also learn to better understand and appreciate our own homeland.
A German student wants to spend a semester abroad at Yale. What does he have to bring with him?
Yale has a large number of applicants each year, of which only 6.9 percent were accepted in the fall semester of 2013. That shows a bit how difficult it is to be accepted here. Of course, achievements play a big role, but it's also about what a student has to offer outside of university, i.e. how committed you are, where you get involved and so on.
What is your life like beyond Yale?
In my free time I go for walks with my dog Zoe and get to know Connecticut better. I also volunteer in a few organizations, e.g. B. a mentoring program for young people.
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Prof. Dr. Michael Fisch, Helwan University Egypt Prof. Dr. Michael Fisch is a DAAD lecturer and full visiting professor in Cairo (Egypt). He teaches literature and philosophy at Helwan University and Cairo. He is also working on a Quran Tafsir – a Quran transcription and translation from a non-European perspective. Prof. Dr. Fish, what fascinates you?
