The ISAP funding programme focuses on full scholarships for students at HAW Hamburg who wish to spend a semester in California or Virginia. In addition, it also funds faculty exchanges that include workshops and guest lectures, as well as summer schools and online modules.
Virginia Tech – Aerospace – 2018-2030
HAW Hamburg has been collaborating with Virginia Tech in the field of aeronautical engineering since 2008. Since 2018, the Faculty of Aviation and Automotive Systems has received ISAP funding to support student and faculty exchange. In April 2026, the fourth ISAP application submitted by Prof. Dr Jutta Abulawi in collaboration with the International Office was approved, ensuring the strategic partnership will be funded by the DAAD for a further four years (2026–2030) with €182,600.
The selection committee particularly highlighted the highly successful student exchange programme between the universities. Since 2011, sixty US students have completed an exchange semester at HAW Hamburg; fifty-three HAW Hamburg students have spent a semester in Blacksburg. Prof. Abulawi played a leading role in developing faculty exchange. A particular highlight are the online modules in the field of space engineering, which are taught by Virginia Tech professors to HAW Hamburg students.
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) – Business – 2021-2030
Two ISAP applications for the exchange programme with CSULB were also approved by the DAAD. In the field of international business, the Faculty of Management, Governance & Media will receive further ISAP funding of €180,150 for the period 2026–2030. This is third successful ISAP application, submitted by Prof. Dr Natalia Ribberink and Janina Apostolou, and will provide a solid foundation for further strengthening student exchange. It also enables the continuation of the hybrid International Business Workshop. This workshop takes place twice a year, both as a COIL module and as a face-to-face event in Long Beach and Hamburg.
CSULB – Social Work & Childhood Education – 2026-2028
In collaboration with the International Office, Prof. Dr Daniela Ulber has secured, for the first time, a grant of €80,644 for her faculty over a two-year period (2026–2028). This is an important recognition of the successful collaboration between CSULB and HAW Hamburg.
The foundation of this collaboration is characterised by a well-established student exchange programme through athe ‘Junior Spring Semester Abroad’ programme in Hamburg. Since 2013, 58 CSULB students studying Social Work have spent a semester in Hamburg, where, in addition to their courses, they complete an eight-week internship at a Hamburg-based organisation.
Another key focus of the partnership is an international module for Master’s students: For the past four years, CSULB lecturers organised a summer school in Hamburg and Berlin for CSULB students, in which professors and students from HAW Hamburg also participate. Both professors and students find the exchange of views on different approaches to social challenges and the insight into the daily work of social institutions in Hamburg particularly enriching.
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