Pilot project for German-Turkish youth exchange in Freiburg

A very special pilot project for intercultural student exchange was realized in May 2025 in collaboration with long-standing project partner Matthias Baumann (Freiburg University of Education) and the newly established partner cultural project workshop („Kulturprojektwerkstatt“) of the city of Freiburg im Breisgau.

The central theme of the exchange was “Me – You – We” – an artistic and educational endeavor to bring young people from Turkey and Germany into a genuine exchange that went far beyond mere tourism.

From May 25 to June 1, 2025, a group of 26 students and accompanying teachers from Istanbul (Cekmeköy and Cağaloğlu) embarked on an intensive and creative language trip to Freiburg im Breisgau, in the border region of France, Switzerland, and Germany. The foundation for the creative project was laid on the very day of arrival with a creative activity at the Place de la Réunion in Mulhouse. This was followed by the first meeting with the German partner students from the Marie-Curie-Gymnasium Kirchzarten – initially tentative, but a joint city rally through Freiburg and a spontaneous game of UNO in front of the cathedral broke the ice. Through shared creative work, a palpable sense of community developed from initial unfamiliarity within just a few days.

The Black Forest provided the backdrop for further exciting experiences: The Schauinsland cable car took the group to the summit, where a picnic with panoramic views and an exploration of the mine not only created lasting impressions but also fostered trust. Another highlight was the artistically guided city excursion to Basel, where street art, movement, and language merged into a powerful and immersive experience.

The emotional climax was the final artistic presentation, developed through workshops with a Freiburg artist, Matthias Baumann (media), and Stephan Reischl (theater): larger-than-life silhouettes of the students, projections, a blacklight tunnel reminiscent of a mine – and finally, a performance that deeply moved both visitors and parents. „So impressive and profound, what you all created together in such a short time,“ one father remarked, deeply touched.

And there was plenty of time for strolling around, exchanging ideas, and having fun, such as at a party organized by the parents and teachers of the partner school in Kirchzarten featuring German specialties and Turkish sweets, as well as spending time with newly made friends. Saying goodbye was therefore difficult – and many of the young people want to stay in touch.

„I – You – We“ will continue in 2026 – with new participants, but with the same idea: cultural rapprochement and creative language impulses through theatre, art and impressive local experiences.