Cultural Program

Culture is diverse and can be experienced in different ways. Culture can be defined and understood very broadly. The ISWI adopts the concept of culture and organizes various events under the aspect of “cultural events”. Different aspects of culture are illuminated, but all events have the same goal: they connect visitors in different ways.

Be it through sport, food, music or craftsmanship – visitors have the opportunity to interact with each other and deal with the big ISWI 2025 topic of “Sharing Power, Giving Opportunities and Enabling Participation” in the context of cultural events.

The official language of the conference is English. But in many cultural events, language, a man-made construction, will play a less important role. Sport and music are e.g. also types of languages that allow visitors and participants to communicate with each other.

With this in mind, we cordially invite everyone to be a part of the ISWI and breathe life into the cultural events.

Opening Ceremony

At the official ceremony to start off the 17th International Student Week in Ilmenau – ISWI 2025, we warmly welcome all the participants, group leaders, and guests of honour to celebrate the beginning of this exciting conference together. Expect inspirational speeches, a cultural program and a first glimpse about the events to come. Let’s get ISWI 2025 started together.

World Food Festival + Intercultural Carnival

“Experience a cultural journey at the ISWI World Food Festival!” Enjoy traditional dishes and arts performances from around the globe. Meet people from different parts of the world and discover their cuisines, dances and music. At the same time you can be part of it by bringing your food (packaged), clothing, music, and performances. And in the end we will conclude with our Intercultural Carnival Fashion Show. Let’s celebrate diversity together!

Arts Night

“Explore, Create, Connect!” Come together to celebrate creativity through hands on art & craft workshops, language workshops and live music – dance – theatre performances — highlighting that “Art is for Everyone”, beyond boundaries and backgrounds.

Intercultural Games Night

Do you enjoy interacting with others through strategy, communication or skill activities? Do you like teamwork or get to know new people? If the answer is yes, then the intercultural game night is for you. There will be games of all kinds (card games, video games, games of skill, themed games). You don’t need to be an expert – just come and we will learn together! Our game masters will help you.

Open-Air Concert

Enjoy an evening filled with live performances by regional and international bands. Whether you’re listening or dancing to great music from around the world, it’s the perfect chance to meet other ISWI participants and Ilmenau students.

Our bands:

  • La Fanfarria del Capitan (Ska, Cumbia, Latin)
  • The Deadnotes (Indie-Rock)
  • BABAYAGA (Ska, Reggae)

Uni(versi)ty Campus Fest

Join for the Unity Campus Fest organized by the university of TU Ilmenau with exciting sports workshops, team challenges, and outdoor fun. It’s a great opportunity to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy the summer vibes on campus.

Intercultural Dance Night

Whether beginner or experienced dancer – our dance workshops offer something for every level and for every taste. Whether you’re into Latin dances like salsa or bachata, K-pop or hip-hop or if you want to try out something totally new, our instructors will guide you through the moves. No preknowledge or dance partner is needed. So just bring your energy and dancing shoes and join us. The official afterparty is in bc-club (Max-Planck-Ring 16), keeping the vibe with the famous Fiesta Latina.

Movie Night

Join us for Movie Night as we screen The Swimmers, a moving Netflix drama from 2022 directed by Sally El Hosaini. Based on a remarkable true story, the film follows two sisters on a powerful journey marked by courage, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. With stunning performances and emotional depth, The Swimmers offers a thought-provoking look at the human spirit and the challenges faced by those seeking a new beginning.

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