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
- Friday, June 13
- 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
- Audimax, Humboldtbau
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
- Saturday, June 14
- 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Wetzlarer Platz
“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. Let’s celebrate diversity together!
Intercultural Carnival
- Saturday, June 14
- 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Start from Wetzlarer Platz
Join the Intercultural Carnival parade starting after World Food Festival from Wetzlarer Platz—featuring music, dance, and colorful costumes. If you like, bring your favorite outfit and be part of the celebration. Follow our music cars and dance with us from the inner city to the campus so that everybody knows, it is ISWI-time.
The aftershow-party will be a “Harry Potter-night” in bh-club (Max-Planck-Ring 2).
Arts Night
- Sunday, June 15
- 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
- Around the Mensa Ehrenberg
“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
- Monday, June 16
- 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
- Humboldtbau
Do you enjoy interacting with others through strategy, communication or skill activities? Do you like to work as a team or get to know new people? If the answer is yes, then the intercultural board game night is for you. There will be games of all kinds (card games, video games, games of skill, themed games, language games). You don’t need to be an expert – just come and we will learn together!
Open-Air Concert
- Tuesday, June 17
- 7:00 pm - 12:00 am
- Gustav-Kirchhoff-Platz
This event will make you swing your hips. Experience local and international bands and musicians in one evening. By listening and dancing to various bands you can easily get to know the other participants of ISWI and Ilmenau students.
The bands:
- La Fanfarria del Capitan (Ska, Cumbia, Latin)
- The Deadnotes (Indie-Rock)
- BABAYAGA (Ska, Reggae)
Unity Campus Fest
- Wednesday, June 18
- 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Sporthalle
Join us for the Unity Campus Fest, organized by TU Ilmenau, and get ready for an action-packed day filled with exciting sports workshops, team challenges, and plenty of outdoor fun! Whether you’re looking to stay active, make new friends, or simply enjoy the summer vibes, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with others while having a blast on campus. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of an unforgettable experience!
Intercultural Dance Night
- Wednesday, June 18
- 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
- Around the Mensa Ehrenberg
Hey! Can you hear that? Yes, it is the sound of your feet and body with the sound of the music. It is your moment to let your feelings connect with your inner dancer. Bring your dancing shoes and let’s dance, because dancing brings the people together. And even if you don’t know the moves, we have the workshops to get them to you. Just come along and enjoy different music and dances from all around the world. Salsa, Bachata, K-pop, J-pop, Hiphop, Marinera, Waltz; traditional or new style – there is a whole world to explore. So, just join our dance instructors and get into it.
Movie Night
- Thursday, June 19
- 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
- Audimax, Humboldtbau
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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