HAIlight in December German-American HAIlight at the Heidelberg Christmas Market
Closing the year together on University Square
The Heidelberg Christmas market has been attracting visitors from near and far for decades and is also very popular with our international guests. So what could be more natural for HAI than to end the year with a visit there together with alumni? Together with the Heidelberg Chapter of Heidelberg Alumni U.S. (HAUS), HAI invited alumnae and alumni from the region as well as Heidelberg students and researchers from the USA to the “HAIlight” at the Christmas market on 18 December 2023.
Sixteen participants accepted the invitation and met on the University Square for an “intercultural exchange” amidst the glittering lights and the smell of roasted almonds, Palatinate bratwurst and other traditional delicacies. Over a cup of mulled wine or punch, Heidelberg alumni and US-Americans currently studying or researching at Ruperto Carola got to know each other and exchanged views on their – sometimes quite different – end-of-year traditions. The guests from the US were also able to use this opportunity to gain valuable tips and contacts for life in Heidelberg and for activities in the region.
The visit to the Christmas market was part of the “HAIlight” event series, in which we have been looking behind the scenes of our university and the city together with the participants for more than 10 years in order to explore new things or rediscover familiar ones. We get to know unknown sides of Heidelberg or gain exciting insights into the life and work of our members. The next event in the series is planned for June. HAI member and alumna Anna Schultz-Coulon will introduce us to her employer in Heidelberg – be in for a surprise!
