„GEFA you remain forever.“

The dynamics of change on the African continent are the focus of the six-semester Bachelor's programme "Geographies of International Development, Focus on Africa". The focus is on the natural, social, political and economic conditions of transformation processes. Franziska Meixner is a GEFA alumna and now works at the German Research Foundation (DFG). She thinks back fondly to her student days at the Bayreuth campus.

What is special about GEFA in Bayreuth is...
"... the close contact and personal exchange with the lecturers and the thematic breadth of the Africa-related research activities. The fact that Africa-related research can be found in the work of academics from different disciplines at the University of Bayreuth enables an interdisciplinary exchange between the different faculties. This exchange is actively practised in particular through the combination subject that GEFA students are free to choose. Another highlight of GEFA in Bayreuth is the big excursion at the end of the programme. My year went to Rwanda and to the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of an integrated teaching research project. During this excursion, you gain exciting insights and valuable and absolutely unforgettable experiences through the existing Africa contacts and knowledge of the staff at the Department of Geography."

The GEFA study in Bayreuth was characterised by...
"... exciting discussions, interesting insights and lively exchange. The fact that you can also enjoy a good student life in Bayreuth (if you're not in a pandemic situation) makes for a good study-life balance. And the GEFA community is great! The size of the programme allows for intensive exchange among students, so you quickly get to know fellow students and make close friends, many of whom stay with you after graduation due to the intensive time in Bayreuth. And there is also a lively exchange on the GEFA Facebook group about potential jobs, interesting workshops or generally exciting topics and news. For example, I was also able to organise the internship that was part of my Bachelor's degree. In addition, I personally have the feeling that there is a certain bond among GEFAs (even if you don't know each other personally or only barely) and that you can always turn to other GEFAs with questions or problems - if necessary."

The career start after graduation was...
"... not quite as easy as I had hoped. After graduating from Bayreuth, I did a Master's degree in 'Geography: Culture, Environment and Tourism' at the University of Passau; therefore, I initially toyed with the idea of seeking employment in the field of sustainable tourism (if possible with a focus on Africa). However, this plan was made much more difficult by the pandemic situation. At the same time, I could not let go of the idea of doing a doctorate and thus pursuing my enthusiasm for science, which had already been awakened by GEFA. When I finally came across the job advertisement of the German Research Foundation for the field of International Cooperation, I was immediately taken with the idea of combining my enthusiasm for international cooperation with my interest in scientific work. In the job interview, I was finally able to score points with the strong regional knowledge of the African continent I had acquired in my Bachelor's degree. The fascinating thing about my job at the DFG is the insights into the field of science. The fact that, in addition to scientific topics, political, cultural and economic aspects always play a role and continuously influence our work ensures that the work is varied and that you constantly have to think your way into new situations and topics and regularly adopt a new perspective. In addition, we work in an international team that works in different places around the world, which, apart from one or two difficulties (keyword: time difference), leads to an interesting exchange within the team."

When you think of Bayreuth today, then...
"... I think first and foremost of the close friendships I was able to make in Bayreuth, some of which still exist today; and of the wonderful moments I was able to experience in Bayreuth with my friends*. Afternoon coffee rounds, concerts and dance evenings in the Glass House, nightly study sessions surrounded by plants in the Geo-Bib, summer days at the bathing lake in Trebgast or heated discussions about study content. The years in Bayreuth are probably among the most formative of my life so far." 

Why is Bayreuth the perfect place to study?
"Because the size of the city and the beautiful campus allow for an active exchange (also between the different study programmes and faculties); and because the Department of Geography has excellent intercultural contacts through, among others, BIGSAS and the excellence cluster "Africa Multiple". At the same time, as a GEFA in Bayreuth, you have the chance to participate in various formats such as the Model United Nations conference or to get involved in non-university organisations and groups - such as the Swahili Choir - and thus live out your interest in the African continent both in your studies and outside the university."

What would you like to give students today?
"Take advantage of what Bayreuth has to offer! Both in terms of studying and student life. Try to read the texts that lecturers recommend and take advantage of the opportunity for professional exchange with fellow students, professors and other academic staff. The best way to do this is to make use of the Geo-Bib, which is conveniently located in the immediate vicinity of the Glass House and a delicious coffee/tea. Enjoy the excursions and especially the big excursion at the end of your studies!"