News

The English Department is delighted to announce a new Erasmus+ partnership with a multi-campus technological university in Ireland: Atlantic Technological University (ATU).This exciting cooperation opens up new opportunities for both students and academic staff to engage in international exchange and deepen their academic and cultural experiences.

Starting from the upcoming semester, English Studies students will be able to apply for Erasmus-funded study placements at the Letterkenny campus of ATU, located in the town of Letterkenny, the largest town in County Donegal.

The partnership offers modules in English Literature, Linguistics, Cultural Studies, and related fields, all taught in an immersive English-speaking environment. In addition to student mobility, the cooperation also supports staff exchanges for teaching and training purposes. This will strengthen academic collaboration and foster new research connections between the two institutions.

“We are thrilled to expand our international network and offer our students the chance to experience academic life in Ireland,” said Professor Christina Sanchez-Stockhammer, Head of the English Department. “This partnership reflects our commitment to promoting intercultural learning and academic excellence.” A special thanks goes to Dr. Patrick McCafferty, himself from Donegal, who played a key role in establishing this partnership. His initiative, dedication, and personal efforts were instrumental in bringing this cooperation to life.

More information about application deadlines and available courses are shared via the Erasmus Office and the English Department homepage. Interested students and staff are encouraged to attend the upcoming information session in November 2025. For any immediate questions, please contact our Erasmus coordinator, Dr. Isabelle van der Bom, at isabelle.vanderbom@phil.tu-chemnitz.de

The third official kick-off workshop took place on 10 April, marking the continued success of the tandem language learning programme in Chemnitz. Launched originally as part of the preparations for Chemnitz 2025 – European Capital of Culture – the programme brings together international English-speaking students and German-speaking volunteers from Kulturhauptstadt Chemnitz (as well as anyone interested in improving their language skills!) who wish to improve their English in preparation for welcoming international visitors. 

Now in its third iteration, the tandem project has proven to be more than just a language exchange. What makes it particularly special is its ability to foster intercultural and cross-generational connections. Many previous tandem pairs have formed lasting friendships, bridging the gap between international students and local residents, and enriching the cultural fabric of our community. 

The idea for the tandem project originated from a service learning initiative led by Dr. Stefanie Troppmann from Hochschuldidaktik at TU Chemnitz. The current programme is coordinated by the English Department (Dr. Isabelle van der Bom and Dr. Patrick McCafferty), in collaboration with the Volunteer Programme of Chemnitz European Capital of Culture 2025, represented by Delfina Zdebel (Assistant) and Anton Schneider (Coordinator).

Special thanks go to  Dr. Maria Worf, Managing Director of the Foreign Language Centre, for her generous support and hosting the event, and to Silvia Langhoff from the Deutsch-Britischen Gesellschaft Chemnitz for her valuable partnership. We also thank Dirk Zinner, Head of the Volunteer Programme at Chemnitz 2025, for his continued support.

We look forward to deepening these collaborations and further developing the tandem project as a lasting legacy of Chemnitz’s year as European Capital of Culture.

We’re excited to announce the addition of several new internship partners to our growing network of professional collaborators. These partnerships open up fresh opportunities for our students to gain valuable hands-on experience and apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

 

By working closely with industry-leading organisations across various sectors, we’re strengthening the practical dimension of our academic programmes and supporting students in developing the skills, confidence, and insight needed for their future careers.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact these new partnerships will have on both our students and the broader community.

The Pflanzfestival event, held under the theme “Aufbruch” (New Beginnings), was a resounding success, kicking off with the dazzling opening show ‘Rise Like an Apple Tree. An ESC Lookalike’. The event, part of the "Gelebte Nachbarschaft" (Lived Neighbourhood) main project and in collaboration with the Diversity Programme of Chemnitz – European Capital of Culture 2025, brought Chemnitz residents together to celebrate the rich history and cultural impact of the Eurovision Song Contest.

With sparkling performances, local talents took to the stage to reinterpret some of the most iconic moments from the ESC, filling the air with energy, charisma, and a variety of emotions. The performances ranged from lip-synching renditions to vibrant dress-up catwalks, showcasing the creativity and diverse spirit of Chemnitz. The audience was treated to a festive atmosphere that seamlessly blended nostalgia for Eurovision’s past with the lively, modern energy of Chemnitz’s artistic scene.

In a notable contribution to the event’s success, four students from the Project Management program at Chemnitz University of Technology played an instrumental role in organizing and coordinating the performances. Their involvement added a professional touch to the event’s execution, highlighting the valuable integration of academic expertise and community engagement.

The event successfully highlighted how Eurovision's legacy continues to unite people through music, performance, and shared cultural moments. Guests enjoyed an evening full of joy, celebration, and inclusivity, with a strong sense of community fostered by the collective participation of Chemnitz residents.

We thank all who attended and contributed to making the event a memorable start to the Pflanzfestival. The night’s success underscores the city’s ongoing commitment to cultural exchange and creativity as we approach Chemnitz 2025 – European Capital of Culture.