In the heart of Brussels' European quarter, overlooking the European Commission, alumni and current exchange students from Freie Universität Berlin met at the DAAD Brussels office for an exclusive get-together at the beginning of November. FU alumna Tanja Kreetz, Deputy Director and Senior Policy Officer at the DAAD Brussels office, hosted the evening together with her colleagues Lisa Reichert and Sena Johanna Schneller and presented the work, current projects, and fields of activity of the DAAD Brussels office. Anna Meißner, alumni relations manager at Freie Universität Berlin, presented current topics from the alumni network and Freie Universität and highlighted the many points of connection between FU and the DAAD.

The exchange took place across generations of students, with alumni from different years reminiscing about what studying was like 20, 15, and 10 years ago, while exchange students currently spending their semester abroad in Brussels reported on what studying is like today. It was exciting for alumni to learn how their department has changed over time, which professors are still there, and how teaching has changed due to new technical possibilities, but also in terms of structure. Favorite places on campus and the best memories from their student days were shared. The Mensa was mentioned frequently, and also the green courtyards and green campus were very popular, such as the lawn between the economics and law buildings, which is now part of Blühender Campus. Overall, many similarities were discovered, with the connection to Freie Universität being the defining factor. Some of those present had already been involved in the alumni network in the past, for example as speakers at the International Career Paths event organized by the alumni network.

Overall, it was a very successful evening with a warm atmosphere and committed alumni and students who were happy to share their experiences and advice on starting a career, as well as insights into the various working environments at international organizations, NGOs, etc. in Brussels. Some have been in Brussels already for more than 10 years, while others have only been there for a month. All attendees were delighted to have this opportunity to expand their network in Brussels and make new connections.