A year ago, the Global Office launched a photography competition for incoming students, i.e. exchange and guest students attending Goethe University. The initiative has proved to be immensely popular.
Each year, between 350 and 400 exchange students from a range of different countries come to Goethe University Frankfurt to pursue their academic dreams at one of its 16 faculties. The Global Office team is on hand to support incoming students both before and during their stay in Frankfurt.
This is also where Nina Wolf works, who has been looking after international students at Goethe University since 2016 – initially as a student assistant and, since May 2022, as a full-time staff member. “We are always eager to improve our offerings,” she says in explaining the background of the latest project: a photography competition. “The idea was born a while ago, but it wasn’t until the beginning of the 2023/24 winter semester that we were able to realize it, thanks to remaining funds.” The goal of the initiative is to make the experiences of incoming students visible and to share their perspectives on life and learning in Frankfurt.
The competition, which is proving to be very popular, has already taken place three times. “We set a new theme each year,” Wolf explains. The motto of the first contest was “Frankfurt, my new home”, whereas in the 2024 summer semester the focus lay on “Hello study adventure”. Under the motto “Moments that travel with us”, the theme of the 2024/25 winter semester was also intentionally left open to broad interpretation.
It is relatively easy to take part in the competition – all participants have to do is submit a high-resolution photo of their particular perspective. “We deliberately didn’t set any additional requirements,” says Wolf, adding, “A jury selects the top three photos. The winners receive a small prize – an extra keepsake from their time in Frankfurt – and their photos are displayed in the Global Office.” A total of 21 incoming students participated in last semester’s competition, and Wolf hopes for a similar number of contributions in the upcoming summer semester.
Eye on Frankfurt
What moves the person behind the camera? What does the image mean to them? How did they experience their time in Frankfurt and at Goethe University? Three winners of the photo contest present their works and share their thoughts.
02 Amandine Dupont: „Frankfurt“.
03 Seita Suzuki: „Dizzying Dreams – The carousel of chaos“.
2023-24 Winter Semester
Name: Lucía Garbín Batanero (21)
Country of Origin: Spain – Seville
Duration of Stay: 2 semesters
Field of Study: German Studies
“My time in Frankfurt was an enchanting experience. Spending two semesters at Goethe University not only allowed me to meet wonderful people, but also to embrace diverse cultures and grow in unexpected ways. The challenges and opportunities I encountered abroad enriched my perspective and personal development. I chose my photo ‘A Tale of Two Eras’ because it perfectly encapsulates this unique blend; just as Frankfurt harmoniously merges historic charm with modern vibrancy, my journey here was a celebration of diversity and transformation.”
2024 Summer Semester
Name: Amandine Dupont (21)
Country of Origin: France – Amiens
Duration of Stay: 1 semester
Field of Study: Political Science
“Having previously lived in another German city – Hamburg – I was able to experience a different side of German energy. Frankfurt is a city with many facets. During my time in the quiet residential district of Rödelheim, I got to experience the relaxed everyday life of Frankfurt’s residents, but I also met many business professionals working in the city’s skyscrapers. At the same time, I discovered a lively and tourist-friendly city, especially along the banks of the Main River, where I watched the European Championship games at public viewings. And finally, nightlife here is taken very seriously – Germans are known for their organization, but when it comes to planning an event, they definitely take it to the next level.”
2024-25 Winter Semester
Name: Seita Suzuki (20)
Country of Origin: Japan – Tokyo
Duration of Stay: 2 semesters
“Studying at Goethe University has been a journey of discovery – of cultures, people, and of myself – broadening my perspectives. This photo was taken at the Christmas Market in Frankfurt, the most vibrant event of the year and a true symbol of the city. I hope you can feel the fleeting motion of light and the quiet soul of the city, frozen in a single December winter moment.”
