Exchange project with Belgrade successfully completed

The international COIL project “Data Analytics in Finance and Marketing”, led by Prof. Dr. Frank Brand (HWR Berlin) and Dr. Milica Maričić (University of Belgrade), was successfully completed at the end of the winter semester 2024/25. It offered students from both universities a unique opportunity to combine practical data analysis with intercultural exchange.

Three phases, two cities, one common goal

The project was divided into three phases. The kick-off phase took place from October 28 to November 1, 2024 at the HWR Berlin. Here, the participants got to know each other personally for the first time, were formed into international teams and received real data sets from large companies for their analyses. Lectures on data analysis provided the methodological basis, while a varied cultural program - including visits to the HWR Startup Incubator, the Reichstag and the Humboldt Forum - gave the students from Belgrade in particular a lively impression of Berlin.

The second phase took place virtually from November 2, 2024 to January 12, 2025. During this time, the teams worked independently on their projects. How they organized their collaboration was up to them - supported by regular online sessions with the teachers, in which progress was discussed and open questions clarified.

The final attendance phase took place in Belgrade from January 13 to 17, 2025. In addition to further expert lectures on data analysis and digital business trends, a special focus was placed on improving their own presentation skills. On the last day, the teams presented their final project results. In addition to the content, the students also experienced Serbian culture up close - from the Nikola Tesla Museum to the Museum of the History of Yugoslavia and the imposing Temple of St. Sava. Culinary and historical highlights rounded off the experience.

Supported by the DAAD - a project with sustainable added value

Thanks to the financial support of a DAAD scholarship from the HAW International Program, all participants were able to enjoy this valuable experience without any financial hurdles. In addition to deepening their knowledge of data analysis, the students gained intercultural competence, strengthened their teamwork skills and improved their language skills - enriching them far beyond their studies.

This successful project was impressive proof of this: Cross-border learning not only connects specialist knowledge, but also people and cultures.