more than 5000 young people from almost every country in the world study at the universities in the state of Bremen every year. They experience European, German and local Bremen culture and return to their home countries with deep impressions: a lifelong unforgettable study visit to the city on the Weser.

But the challenge of studying abroad also has its pitfalls. Problems arise due to illness, accidents, political upheavals in the home country, or lack of scholarship payments. This is not the rule, but occurs more often than we perceive. Fellow students help each other a lot, but of course there are limits to that.

Since 1984, the non-profit association XENOS has helped unbureaucratically, fast and reliably in innumerable cases. This help requires a co-operation of the personas concerned. Experienced members of a funding committee provide discreet advice on how to overcome situations of emergency. Rent and health insurance payments are given high priority. A successful degree is always the main goal.

The word XENOS is Greek, it means guest and stranger. We accompany in difficult situations so that strangers become guests.

As a professor and former rector I appreciate this work and hope that you will help, too: as a XENOS member you donate at least 5€ per month or any other amount of your choice. You might collect money for XENOS at a celebration or after a concert and thus help students in need. The friends of the association will be happy to tell you how XENOS e.V. has been able to help for years.

I would like to thank you and the volunteers of XENOS who are engaged in helping students from mostly poorer countries.