When I landed in Mexico City for the first time at the end of the 1990s, a connection to Latin America began that has had a lasting impact on my life. In all the countries of the continent, I have always been deeply impressed by the openness of the people, the cultural diversity and the special quality of interpersonal relationships. Latin America has given me inspiration, friendships and new perspectives over many years. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for this appreciation and connection.

Contact: christian.sturm@thi.de

My first contact with Latin America over 10 years ago was when I was asked whether I could imagine giving a course on driver assistance systems in Curitiba, BR. The collaboration with my colleagues there, in Florianopolis and Joinville was so exciting, extraordinary and thrilling for me that I agreed to be Scientific Director to take responsibility for the many activities that we then carried out over the next few years.

Contact: harald.goellinger@thi.de

I am convinced that openness to new ideas and strong connections between people can make a big difference. I have a particular passion for Latin America. Longer stays and trips there have allowed this passion to grow and today the Amazon jungle feels like a second home to me.

At CALAI, I am very enthusiastic about using my knowledge from my academic studies in Latin American Studies to connect people from Germany and Latin America.

Contact: magdalena.muehldorfer@thi.de

My connection to Latin America is characterised by longer stays in Puebla and Bogotá as well as a Bachelor degree in Latin American Studies. I am particularly enthusiastic about the joie de vivre of the people, the impressive nature and the diverse history and politics of the region. For me, Latin America is much more than just an area of interest - it is a place that again and again feels like a second home.

Contact: franziska.prinz@thi.de

My connection to Latin America stems from my Colombian heritage and also from the time I lived in Fortaleza, Brazil, for a few months in 2020. As I always wanted to pursue an international career, I came to THI in 2024 to complete my Master's degree. Due to my very positive experience, I finally decided to stay at the university and work here. Now I want to help other people realise their dream and build their academic and appointment future in Germany.

Contact: Daniela.ChinchillaSilva@thi.de

My connection with Latin America first developed through stays in the Andean region and later, in particular, in Brazil. During this time, I was able to gain insights into a variety of social, political and economic realities – from working with local authorities in Ecuador to German-Brazilian economic and scientific cooperation in Brazil. To this day, I feel a particular affinity for Curitiba and the state of Paraná.

As a Mexican, I have been living in Germany for more than two years, learning the language and discovering the culture and the German way of understanding life. As a Latin American, I enjoy the similarities and differences between two regions with different histories, but with enormous cultural and natural riches. These contrasts open up real opportunities for dialogue and reflection, which I experience both through my work and in everyday life, where Germany is gradually becoming more familiar to me.

Through my work at the International Office and CALAI, my interest in Latin America has continued to grow. I am particularly drawn to the cultural diversity, the exciting partnerships, and the opportunity to connect people across national borders. Traveling to and getting to know the countries of Latin America is therefore at the top of my bucket list.