IU Europe Gateway

Join us for the upcoming conference Literary Economics // practices, actors, knowledge at the Indiana University Europe Gateway on Friday, 19 June 2026.

Co-organized by Filippo Petricca (Indiana University Bloomington) and Esther Schomacher (Zeppelin University), the conference brings together scholars of Italian, Spanish, French, German, and English literatures to explore how literary works engage with economic ideas and practices across time.

Speakers include:
Dirk Brunke, Ruhr-Universität Bochum
James Dorson, Freie Universität Berlin
Ellen Grünkemeier, Universität Bielefeld
Melissa Kennedy, Pädagogische Hochschule Oberösterreich
Christian Meierhofer, Universität Kassel / Universität Bonn
Annika Nickenig, Freie Universität Berlin
Filippo Petricca, Indiana University Bloomington
Joanna Rostek, Universität Leipzig
Esther Schomacher, Zeppelin University, Friedrichshafen
Christoph Söding, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Focusing on themes such as money, debt, and value, the event fosters interdisciplinary dialogue across medieval, early modern, and (post-)modern perspectives — offering new ways to think about the relationship between literature and economics.

We look forward to welcoming you for a day of engaging discussions in Berlin.

Attendance is free of charge and open to anyone interested. Please register here: Literary Economics // practices, actors, knowledge: https://events.iu.edu/ovpia/event/literary-economics-practices-actors-knowledge

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming the 2025 cohort of the Wells Scholars Program, led by Christoph Irmscher, — currently in Berlin for their 10-day study abroad program — and introducing them to our vibrant city.

The Scholars took part in an intensive program, including visits to the Berlin State Opera, Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum, Wannsee, and Potsdam, as well as the Philharmonie Berlin, where Noah Bendix-Balgley, First Concertmaster and IU alum, welcomed the students and generously answered their questions before the concert.

The Wells Scholars Program at Indiana University supports exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service. This immersive Berlin experience complements their studies by fostering global awareness and encouraging thoughtful engagement with Germany’s history, politics, and culture.

Yesterday was a day full of insightful discussions on Japan-Europe-U.S. relations in Berlin.

In the morning, we had the pleasure of hosting a policy seminar at the IU Europe Gateway organized by Adam Liff, Ph.D., Professor of East Asian International Relations and Director of the 21st Century Japan Politics and Society Initiative at Indiana University Bloomington. The seminar brought together experts from European universities, government, and research institutions to discuss recent developments affecting Europe, Japan, and the United States.

Later in the day, in collaboration with the Japanisch-Deutsches Zentrum Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin, we hosted the public international conference “Japan-Europe-U.S. Relations in Turbulent Times” at the JDZB in southwest Berlin.

Leading international experts discussed key challenges shaping Japan-Europe-U.S. relations in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on strategic alignment, security cooperation, economic security, China, defense policy, and evolving transatlantic and Indo-Pacific partnerships.

A special thank you to H.E. Mitsuko Shino, Ambassador of Japan to Germany, Botschaft von Japan in Deutschland, for her keynote address and thoughtful responses to the many questions from participants, and to all speakers for their valuable insights.

Join us for an International Policy Conference on Japan-Europe-U.S. Relations!

On May 18th from 1:30 PM, leading experts from Japan, Europe, and the USA will convene at the Japanisch-Deutsches Zentrum Berlin (JDZB) for a public conversation on major foreign policy issues affecting trilateral relations. This event is organized through Indiana University's IU Europe Gateway and hosted at JDZB.

Program highlights:

• Keynote Address by H.E. Mitsuko Shino, Ambassador of Japan to Germany

• Two panel discussions featuring an international group of leading experts on Japan and Indo-Pacific affairs:
◦ Panel 1: “State of Play: Assessing Japan-Europe-U.S. Strategic Alignment in the Indo-Pacific”
◦ Panel 2: “Japan as the Security Partner of Choice for the U.S. and Europe: Challenges and Opportunities”
• Free, in-person, and open to the public; held in English

For details and to register, please visit the website: go.iu.edu/7tF9mV

On April 23-24, we hosted an in-person workshop organized by scholars from The Media School at Indiana University — Dr. Jason Peifer, Dr. Mike Gruszczynski, and Dr. Radhika Parameswaran — in collaboration with Freie Universität Berlin and the Weizenbaum Institute.

The workshop focused on “Locality and Context: Examining the Role of Place in Understanding Media Inequalities.” and brought together scholars from the U.S. and Germany to explore how media-related phenomena vary across different contexts — ranging from East vs. West and North vs. South to local vs. national and urban vs. rural dynamics.

A key outcome of this gathering is the development of collaborative research projects and a joint publication addressing media inequalities through the lens of locality, fostering transatlantic academic cooperation.

The first day featured a keynote by Dr. habil. Anke Fiedler (Greifswald Universität), titled “Locality Constructed, Contested, and Lived: Rethinking Media Inequality in Post-Industrial Communities.”

Thank you to all participants for the engaging discussions and valuable insights — we look forward to seeing these collaborations evolve.

Next week, the IU Europe Gateway is hosting an exciting workshop on Locality and Context: Examining the Role of Place in Understanding Media Inequalities, bringing together scholars from The Media School at Indiana University, Freie Universität Berlin, and the Weizenbaum Institute.

As part of the program, we warmly invite you to join online the keynote by Dr. habil. Anke Fiedler:

“Locality Constructed, Contested, and Lived: Rethinking Media Inequality in Post-Industrial Communities”

Most people have never been to the Lausitz. Few have set foot in Rotherham or Middlesbrough. And yet, many have strong opinions about places like these – shaped almost entirely by media narratives that brand them "crap towns", "dirtholes", and the like. This keynote asks what happens when we take these representations of post-industrial communities seriously, and what we can learn by listening to the people who actually live there.

Date: 23.04, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM (online)
To join the keynote session, please register here: https://iu.zoom.us/meeting/register/i6jkRgUsQHuVGCs1wPAabg

We hope to see you there!

This week, IU Europe Gateway Director Annabell Türk is attending a DAAD conference focusing on the responsibilities and perspectives of transnational educational (TNE) opportunities.

The conference brings together members of the higher education community from across the globe to reflect on the evolving role of TNE, explore region-specific approaches, and exchange strategies for navigating the distinct institutional priorities and national regulatory environments of each partner while maintaining effective collaboration.

The event is also a great opportunity to form new connections and re-connect with some of IU's existing partners, like Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt () and their "Team International".
The discussions among participants offer valuable insights to support and strengthen our work at IU Europe Gateway.

📣 Only two weeks to go until our Speaker Breakfast!

On April 22nd, we’ll come together to explore “The Future of Study Abroad in 2026: Trends, Challenges and New Perspectives.”

Join Berlin-based professionals in international higher education for an engaging workshop on how study abroad is evolving at a time of constant global changes.

The event will feature input from Gesa Heym, Head of Student Mobility Unit at Freie Universität Berlin, who will talk about "Study Abroad 2026: Between AI, Geopolitics, and Transatlantic Tensions – A German perspective" and Nele T., Berlin Director of @ AIFS Abroad, who will explore "Opportunities for Inclusiveness: Evaluating Programs for a Neurodiverse Student Body".

• 22nd of April, 9:30 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
• IU Europe Gateway, Gneisenaustr. 27, 10961 Berlin
• Participation is free

The event is organized by The Forum on Education Abroad and IU Europe Gateway.
Register here: https://lnkd.in/dWkDeHGN

With the cherry blossoms blooming here in Berlin, we wish you all wonderful Easter holidays. May you enjoy a beautiful springtime filled with joy, relaxation and special moments with your loved ones!

After a successful pilot last year, the IU Europe Gateway proudly hosted the Career Competencies and Intercultural Training Workshop again this past weekend, in collaboration with the The Walter Center for Career Achievement and IU Global.

Sixteen students from the IU College of Arts and Sciences currently studying abroad across Europe through IU-administered semester programs came together in Berlin for this intensive three-day experience focused on building essential career skills and strengthening intercultural competence.

Throughout the weekend, participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions covering key areas of career development — from resume building and mock interviews to effective communication strategies. They also had the opportunity to reflect on their intercultural experiences and deepen their understanding of global perspectives.

One of the students' highlights was a visit to the Humboldt Forum, where students explored Berlin’s rich history and culture through an interactive exhibition, adding a local and experiential dimension to their learning.
They also greatly appreciated the opportunity to connect with IU alumni currently living and working in Berlin. These conversations provided meaningful insights into how to translate study abroad experiences into future career opportunities. A big thank you to Grace Hoven, Pimolwon Sangtian, Kasi Schulz, and Edward Vaughan for sharing your time and expertise!

We also extend our gratitude to Katrin Völkner and Madhuvanti Karyekar, Ph.D. Karyekar for their inspiring sessions on Berlin, career development and international learning.

At the IU Europe Gateway, we remain committed to supporting students’ professional growth and fostering intercultural understanding, reflecting Indiana University’s dedication to global engagement. The positive feedback from participants highlights the importance of such initiatives in preparing young professionals to navigate the global job market.