Bollywood glamour, bright colors and rousing dance moments recently transformed the Great Hall of Aalen University of Applied Sciences into a festive stage full of international encounters. The special gala impressively showed how lively and inspiring the exchange in the "Buddy Program" is.
"Lights, camera, Bollywood"
Cultural diversity and intercultural exchange are not only lived in the lecture halls at Aalen University of Applied Sciences, but also celebrated on Campus - for example at a recent glamorous Bollywood gala of the Buddy Program with around 80 participants. The Buddy Program of ISA e.V. (International Society Aalen) brings German and international students together. The aim is to help international students find their way around the institution of higher education and Aalen University of Applied Sciences. The most recent event (general) with the motto "Lights, Camera, Bollywood" impressively demonstrated that fun in intercultural exchange and international friendship are also very important.
Colorful saris
As soon as they entered the festively decorated Great Hall, it was clear that this evening would be an unforgettable experience for all participants. The hall shone in golden light, accompanied by the sparkle of colorful saris and traditional Indian dress. Many guests enthusiastically followed the dress code "Bollywood glamor or traditional dress". Some Indian students even gave their German buddies saris as a gift and showed them the art of draping this traditional, unstitched wrap skirt correctly.
Talent show
A spontaneous highlight was a fashion show in which students presented their impressive costumes or traditional clothing from their home country. The atmosphere at a cultural talent show was also rousing and lively: South Asian dances as solo performances or in groups made the room shake, singers shone with talks; lectures reminiscent of famous Bollywood stars. Whether belly dancing, guitar sounds or international music - other culturally diverse performances also found their place and made for an impressive cosmopolitan mix.
International buffet
The large buffet was also international, with delicacies from all over the world prepared by the students themselves, filling the entire Great Hall with fragrant aromas. The evening continued with dancing together to Bollywood rhythms, led by the many dedicated South Asian students who now enrich the everyday life of students and the campus of Aalen University of Applied Sciences.
A real matter of the heart
"Buddy of the Year" Samantha Sada, who studies Physician Assistant at the institution of higher education, motivated other German students to participate in the Buddy Program that evening: "You travel around the world without leaving Aalen University of Applied Sciences: We share food, histories, traditions - and suddenly diversity feels natural. For me, the Buddy Program is not just a commitment, but a real matter of the heart. It broadens our horizons and connects people in a wonderful way."
Becoming part of the buddy community
"In the coming semester, students of Aalen University of Applied Sciences can once again become part of the diverse Buddy Community and support international students in their everyday lives," emphasizes Hasmik Kalashyan, student coordinator of the Buddy Program. Further impressions of the Bollywood Gala and the Buddy Program can be found on the Instagram channel @aalen_isn. Registrations for the Buddy Program are accepted via buddy[at]hs-aalen.de.
