Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design pursues an intensive exchange across national and cultural borders in many ways. It presents itself as a place where this exchange is not only a matter of course, but also an artistic and scientific necessity. This arises from the conviction that artistic and creative education are particularly committed to an equal intercultural transfer of knowledge as well as to the acceptance of difference and the promotion of diversity. It is also precisely from this that ideas and designs for new social and cultural approaches are drawn.

Accordingly, the task at BURG is to prepare students to be able to develop an independent, self-confident position in the respective fields of art and design. The task includes the promotion of an interculturally respectful mindset among graduates, also against the background and in the context of a global job market and international artistic fields of activity.
Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design sees itself as a pluralistic and socially, economically and politically responsible university that pursues ecologically sustainable goals and acts as a major player in society, opposing nationalist, racist, totalitarian tendencies and discrimination of any kind.

The University defines the following guidelines for its international endeavors:
The BURG pursues active participation in and co-creation of the European and worldwide art higher education area. The own artistic-creative profile as well as the perception as an internationally oriented university are strengthened in this way. The BURG is in continuous dialogue with its international university partners about ethical principles, aesthetic interests and culturally and socially relevant focal points. A lively exchange with a high level of intensity in the joint commitment is a decisive factor in this. To this end, BURG provides specific contact persons for each international contact.
The basis of all internationally oriented activities at the BURG is a cosmopolitan campus. In this teaching, learning and working environment, the exchange of all members of the university across languages and cultures is lived practice. In this context, the promotion of intercultural competencies and international mobility of students, faculty and staff through the cultivation of cooperation in teaching and practice is a priority goal. Particularly in teaching and research, an increased embedding in transnational contexts and discourses is strived for. The consideration of intercultural contents and experiences is an essential stimulus for the further development of the quality of studies and teaching. Also in the course of internationalisation, the BURG advocates the strengthening of the special features of individual artistic, creative as well as scientific learning processes.

European network

Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle participates in various international networks. It has numerous contacts in western Europe and also to universities in central and eastern Europe. As part of the ERASMUS programme, Burg Giebichenstein has cooperation agreements with 50 partner universities and schools in 20 countries in Europe – including art schools in Austria and Switzerland and in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Turkey.

Cumulus Association

Since early 2005, Burg Giebichenstein has been a partner in the Cumulus International Association of European universities and colleges of art, design and media. There are 165 institutions in the Cumulus network. The aim of the schools and universities involved is to create a dynamic and flexible academic forum that links the leading international educational institutes with one another. The focus is on international projects, on making it easier to transfer between universities, and on student exchanges.

International cooperations

Burg Giebichenstein also cooperates directly with a large number of art schools outside of Europe – for example, in Canada, Japan, USA, China, India, Vietnam and Cuba.

People from all over the world study, work and teach at BURG. How do they come together and what can such an exchange enable? We are convinced that living interculturality is a great opportunity to learn from each other, to understand cultural differences and similarities, and to break down prejudices. Diversity at the university shows itself in the life paths of its members, becomes audible in languages and dialects, tangible in projects and excursions. Everyone involved benefits from places that facilitate intercultural exchange.
In order to give this even more space - and in a concrete sense - the project Intercultural Kitchen was launched. 
The Intercultural Kitchen is a platform for international events and intercultural programs and an offer outside the formal curriculum, but by and for the entire university community. Where there is communal cooking, there are also sounds and music, exchange and discussion. A location-independent, mobile event equipment was developed: a purpose-built small kitchen on wheels, optionally equipped with screen, projector and lighting technology.
Let's develop recipes and events together that raise international-intercultural topics and issues and show the BURG as a place of collaborative creative learning, teaching and working across national borders. Together with students*, staff*, and individuals from around the world who study, work, and teach at BURG, the goal is to create a collaborative framework for international events, intercultural programs, workshops, debates, conversations, experimental formats, and more.

You want to bring other students closer to your country and its culture? You want to meet international students, have never tasted the national dish of your fellow students or need some insider tips just before your semester abroad?