Just a few weeks after its foundation, Freie Universität set up a commission in January 1949 to contact international partners, invite renowned guest lecturers and researchers and manage the small but rapidly growing number of international students. It was only a few months before the first students went abroad as part of their studies and the first contracts were signed with partners (mainly in the USA at the time) and the small commission soon became the International Office.

Over the past few weeks, the International Office team has taken time to reflect on the beginnings of what can only be described as a success story in the field of international academic relations: 75 years of the International Office at Freie Universität also means 75 years of commitment to promoting openness to the world and the exchange of ideas.

The department used its own anniversary not only for a look back at its history and a celebration, but also for a thank-you campaign: it sent greetings and thanks to all of its almost 800 partner institutions around the world and received many very warm responses. Knowing that there is a world out there that shares a passion for intellectual exchange and cooperation and values relationships that transcend national and ideological boundaries brings hope in these difficult times.