As part of its international collaboration, the University of the Deutsche Bundesbank cooperates with the Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance (China), the University of Toulon (France), the University of Turin (Italy), and the SGH Warsaw School of Economics (Poland). For several years now, the International Week on Central Banking has been a fixed component of the university's program. This year, too, the partner universities sent students and delegation leaders to Hachenburg.

© Christof Wolf

In the academic program, organized by Professor Andreas Höfer of the Bundesbank University, the 50 guest students joined over 60 students from the university to explore various banking business models and the role of central banks in banking supervision. In an introductory lecture and a deepening lecture by Professor Höfer, students learned how risks in commercial banks are identified and quantified. In mixed small groups, German and international students analyzed a major bank from China, Germany, France, Italy, or Poland.

In the finale of the so-called "Shark Tank" (known in Germany as "Die Höhle der Löwen"), the teams presented their bank in short pitches. Subsequently, the students faced critical questions from eight "sharks" – international and German professors or delegation leaders. The winning team was the international group that analyzed a major German commercial bank.

© Christof Wolf

Beyond the academic program, students had ample time to get to know one another. During a "Walk & Talk", they hiked to the Marienstatt Abbey or explored the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz – including a cable car ride. The highlight of the cultural exchange was the "Evening of Cultures", where the 18 Chinese, 14 French, 10 Polish, and 10 Italian students showcased their home countries through food or singing (karaoke), while their German hosts – all students from Advanced Studies 1 – presented their home regions or federal states with traditional dishes and beverages.

On the final day of the International Week, the guests traveled to the headquarters of the Deutsche Bundesbank in Frankfurt, where a lecture from the Center for International Central Bank Dialogue was offered, followed by a visit to the Money Museum.

Rector Andreas Kremer summarized: The International Week is, for me, a highlight of the academic year. It impressively demonstrates the power of collaboration among people from different countries and with diverse perspectives. This exchange ideally prepares our students for a globally interconnected future. Every year, I am particularly impressed by the openness with which our guests and students approach one another – and how friendships emerge that extend far beyond this week.