The students of Geisenheim University (HGU) sought to answer this question in the context of a media project in cooperation with the German Wine Institute (DWI). The emerging IWB experts (International Wine Business) were introduced to HGU alumni, created an interview questionnaire customized for their leading characters and produced a storyboard for shooting.
Three alumni from Brazil, Japan and Bulgaria were then asked for their views on Germany as a wine country in the newly-renovated vaulted cellar at Geisenheim University. Why is Germany an attractive location to live and work in? The results have been released in the video documentary entitled „WoW! World of Wine“ – Alumni Portraits from around the World.
Living and working happily in Germany
„Wine is international per se, but how are Germans seen through international eyes?“ This was one of many exciting questions, says Frank Schulz, Head of Communication at the DWI and lecturer at HGU. “The Alumni presented themselves authentically and allowed us a peek into their personal motivation. In addition to the important message that Germany, as a winegrowing country, is recognized internationally by young people, we were able to show in the film how foreign graduates are creating a foothold for themselves here and much more – living and working happily in Germany.“
Networking: a win-win for both sides
„Many of our international students would like to live and work in Germany for at least a few years after graduation“, says HGU Project Coordinator Angela Diermeyer (Study & Work). „It is not only an opportunity for a personal career, but also an opportunity for Germany to secure specialists and to increase export strength. A win-win for both sides. We benefit from the connections and knowledge our alumni bring from their respective countries and they benefit from having a German university degree and adding German to their language abilities“, says Diermeyer. Through the Study & Work project, networks are being created among the participating universities and universities facilitating international students‘ access to the German labor market. The Study & Work project is funded by the Stifterverband der deutschen Wissenschaft.
Film Production: Film Agency Rheingau, led by Florian Gramelsberger and Woody T. Herner. „Pleasant and professional“, remained the production team even after a hard day of shooting with 32°C in the shade in Geisenheim. Woody, the producer, who successfully utilized his drone for the shooting, says: „Shooting locations like Rothenberg are like home for me and at the same time an international attraction for our central characters – a dream.“
