Outside View - International Perspectives on Germany in Times of Corona. DAAD, GIZ, Goethe-Institut (2021) 

The study ‘Outside View - International Perspectives on Germany in Times of Corona’ is a joint project of the most recognised intermediary organisations in the field of higher education, culture, and development cooperation: the DAAD, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) [German Association for International Cooperation] and the Goethe-Institut. The study reveals numerous indications for the concrete design of cooperation – both in terms of expectations and topics. In times of Covid, global health plays an important role, but so do green economic revival, social cohesion, and digitalisation.

The results of the study in summary: Especially when it comes to economic aspects, the health system, or international relations, Germany is viewed in a positive way. Germany as a location for education and research is well appreciated, especially due to the combination of high-quality teaching and excellent research at moderate costs for students. At the same time, international talents would like to achieve easier access to the German education system. The fact that German universities cooperate intensively with partner institutions worldwide and those diverse exchange opportunities and scholarships for students exist is also mentioned positively. On the other hand, environmental scandals, a lack of digitalisation, populism, and right-wing extremist attacks are perceived critically. The example of digitalisation in particular highlights contradictory perceptions and high expectations of Germany.

Link to the article (Only available in German)

Study (Only available in German)