Jens Strackeljan, the Rector of Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, reports that there are currently no signs suggesting international students or researchers are steering clear of Saxony-Anhalt due to the victory of the AfD party. Speaking to the Funke Medien-Mediengruppe newspapers (Monday editions), Strackeljan stated, “From our recent advisory discussions, I know of no rejections because of the election results.” On the contrary, he added, that some individuals expressed a desire “to contribute to the positive development of Saxony-Anhalt right now.” Furthermore, the university is seeing an increase in international students for the winter semester.
At the same time, the university is closely monitoring how international students and employees are treated outside the campus grounds. Strackeljan noted, “If the treatment of international students and employees in public spaces changes, if there are verbal attacks or hostility, we must perceive that.” Such incidents could occur on buses, in public institutions, during sports activities, or while playing soccer. The Rector also added, “As a university, we cannot provide a safety guarantee outside the campus. But we can be vigilant, look closely, and react.”
Consequently, the university must clearly communicate to its international students that they are still welcome. Strackeljan stated, “We have to make the people clear: you are still welcome, we will take care of you.” While the political landscape may have changed, the message remains: “come to Saxony-Anhalt, you are welcome.”
For Saxony-Anhalt, this also pertains to economic interests. He mentioned that approximately 5,500 international students attend the university. Strackeljan told the Funke Medien-Mediengruppe newspapers, “We would be missing skilled workers, knowledge, and ideas.” At the same time, he pointed to around 40 supported startup projects, many of which have an international character. The Rector concluded, “It would be foolish for us to shut the door on these people.”
