Erasmus Summer School - My time in Passau

I’m DS Vijay Meenakshi, a Visual Communication student from Loyola College, Chennai, and I recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Germany and visit the University of Passau through the Erasmus Exchange Program.

The Student Exchange Programme

Learning from Prof. Rüdiger Korff , Fr. IrudhayaRaj, DR. Nidhya, Prof. Dagmar & Dr.Hafsa– A Deep Dive into Indo German Media and Culture.
Prof. Oliver Hahn (chair of Journalism, University of Passau), Dr. Dagmar Hellmann and Fr. Justin Prabhu and Dr. Nidhya Balasubramaniam from Loyola College, Chennai and LIAC (Loyola International Academic Collaboration. Yet this whole programme would not have been possible without the great help from the Academic International Office at University of Passau. Ms. Stefanie Dallmeier and Ms. Leontina Kulko made sure all forms were filled properly, got the relevant signatures often at the last minute and remained calm when everybody else got a bit overexcited. It is thanks to them that we got our Erasmus scholarship funds on time and could start the summer school.
Through this discussion, my knowledge of media cultures expanded immensely. It gave me a clear understanding of how history and politics shape the media landscape—for instance, how Germany’s historical background, especially post-World War II and during the Cold War, influenced its media ethics and structure.
This session was not just about academics; it opened my eyes to the importance of understanding media beyond borders, and how cultural context plays a huge role in shaping narratives.
The program was designed to provide students like me with an immersive experience in German culture, academics, and cinema. Our trip, which took place from August 31 to September 12.
During these two weeks, I had the privilege of studying German filmmaking up close, understanding their unique approach to storytelling, visual aesthetics, and sound design. It was eye-opening to see how different it is from Indian cinema and how much emphasis they place on details and creative expression.
Beyond the classroom, this journey was about cultural exchange and creative collaboration. We interacted with professors, filmmakers, and students, exchanging ideas and learning from one another’s perspectives. These conversations truly broadened my understanding of global cinema and gave me fresh inspiration for my own work.
This trip has been one of the most enriching experiences of my academic life. I am deeply grateful to Loyola College (Chennai) and the university of Passau to give this opportunity for me.

Learnings

Learning from Prof. Rüdiger Korff – A Deep Dive into Media and Culture
One of the most impactful sessions during our trip was conducted by Professor Rüdiger Korff, who delivered an insightful lecture on German media and its evolution over time. His explanation was not just theoretical but deeply connected to the social, cultural, and historical aspects of Germany, which made the discussion even more engaging.
What I found truly fascinating was the way Prof. Korff compared German media with Indian media. He highlighted the similarities and differences in terms of freedom of the press, media regulations, audience behavior, and cultural influence on content creation. This comparative perspective helped me see how media functions as a reflection of society in both countries.
Through this discussion, my knowledge of media cultures expanded immensely. It gave me a clear understanding of how history and politics shape the media landscape —for instance, how Germany’s historical background, especially post-World War II and during the Cold War, influenced its media ethics and structure.
This session was not just about academics; it opened my eyes to the importance of understanding media beyond borders, and how cultural context plays a huge role in shaping narratives.

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Nidhya Ma’am and Fr. Irudhyaraj for being an integral part of this journey and accompanying me throughout. Their constant support and guidance played a crucial role in making this experience smooth and well organized. They not only ensured that every aspect of the plan was executed flawlessly but also took the time to share their valuable knowledge with us. The lectures they delivered on critical topics related to the film industry were both informative and thought-provoking, providing us with a deeper understanding of the industry’s nuances, challenges, and opportunities. Their dedication and efforts truly made this journey enriching and memorable. I would also like to thank Fr. Justin Prabhu, Fr. Charles and Daisy Ma’am for helping us throughout.