People fleeing their home countries because of religious and political persecution – we all know the headlines and TV images. But what happens when they get to the “Promised Land” – be it Europe or the U.S.? Not all people in hosting countries are open-minded, respectful, and willing to help. Recently, there has been an upswing of xenophobia and Islamophobia in both the U.S. and Germany. Very often, right-wing political activists and fundamentalist forces argue that immigrants from the “Orient” and other parts of the world violate the Christian “Occident’s” values and democratic ideals. But is religion really the root of the problem? This seminar aims at critically reflecting on xenophobic and Islamophobic sentiments in the past and present. We will approach the topic by focusing on four aspects: 1. Xenophobia: How do migrants and their hosts get along? We will look at history and share experiences about immigration and emigration. Participants report on the situation in their home countries. Migrants who currently live in Germany share their biographies with us. 2. Islamophobia: What’s religion gotta do with it? We talk to Muslims, visit a mosque, and question each other’s perceptions of politics and society. An integrated two-day intensive training helps us overcome our own prejudices and provides us with tools to train others. 3. Integration: How do we make it work? We learn about theoretical approaches to integration and share best practice experiences. On excursions, we talk to NGOs, social workers, people from refugee councils and politicians. 4. Taking Action: What to do next? This project is not just about ten days in a seminar center. It is about gaining inspiration for challenging xenophobia and Islamophobia where we live and act. We will inspire each other and work out concrete steps for follow-up activities.

Target groups: students from Germany and the U.S.

Venues: GSI and seminar hotel in Berlin