Since the current head of the North Africa and Middle East department of the Heinrich Bell Stiftung gave me the tip in 2009 that I could train as a peace expert after I came back from Burkina Faso with debts from the last theater project, with my then two small children with me, I have stuck with it. I finally wanted to be able to work sustainably in a larger context.  In 2010, I continued my training at the Forum Civil Peace Service Cologne (ZFD) and got certified as a peace specialist and in 2011/12 I qualified as an adult educator with Gewaltfrei Handeln e.V. (Nonviolent Action). I was invited to job interviews from time to time, but didn't get the jobs. Someone was better qualified. When I found out about the ICM Master's program in 2015, I knew I was going to turn things around. At first it didn't work out, but I was given the tip to apply for the Spanish program.  So in 2020, shortly before Covid, I started working on my Spanish at B2 level and got my place in 2020 in November!!!! It was postponed and canceled in January and I was offered a place to study in English, which I gratefully accepted. 

I combined my two passions, peace and clowning, in my master's degree and wrote and made a movie about it. Now, less than a year later, I can start my first job as a peace worker in Burkina Faso for EIRENE and their partner organization WANEP. My first paper in my studies was about the careers and the image of women in Burkina Faso, based on Claudia Roth's doctoral thesis “And they are proud”. As part of the paper, I also conducted my first academic interview.

I had a truly wonderful experience in the ICM program, and choosing to study it felt like a blessing. On October 19, 2021, I visited ASH for the first time, after traveling from Africa to Europe, which was my first time leaving the continent. Although visa delays made me start classes late, the coordinators, professors, and classmates were extremely supportive. They helped me settle into life in Germany, and I quickly felt at home.

The ICM program’s practical, hands-on approach, with less focus on theory, deeply expanded my understanding of global social action. I had the chance to interact with people from diverse cultural, social, professional, and religious backgrounds, which taught me invaluable lessons about tolerance and respecting different viewpoints. We covered a range of topics, including international conflict, peacebuilding processes, global politics, and social action, all of which provided a broader perspective on these critical global issues.

The "Do No Harm" principle was a particularly important concept we explored. It has had a lasting impact on me, and I now apply it in my current work to help bridge organizational gaps. I am incredibly grateful to the ICM professors for this transformative experience, which not only enhanced my professional skills but also helped me grow personally. I highly recommend everyone to enjoy ICM and ASH.

Contact: keyema.bereket[at]gmail.com

My name is Melissa, and I hail from a small town in Germany. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Area Studies at Humboldt University in Berlin, with a regional focus on South Asia. Following that, I pursued the Intercultural Conflict Management (ICM) program, from which I graduated in 2023. My master’s thesis focused on peace processes and the prevalence of political violence, employing a case study from South India to delve into the complexities of protracted conflicts. I chose the ICM program because it offered a unique combination of interdisciplinary, practical, and international perspectives, which I believed were essential for understanding and addressing contemporary conflicts. The ICM program aligned perfectly with my academic and professional aspirations. I thoroughly enjoyed my studies and gained invaluable insights throughout the course. The international and intercultural nature of the program fostered a vibrant learning environment where I collaborated with peers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. This exposure significantly broadened my perspectives and enriched my understanding of different conflict contexts. Additionally, the program's practical focus was particularly beneficial; for instance, in the final two semesters, we undertook an individual group project, which involved designing and implementing actions to real-world issues. I am currently a freelance mediator and workshop facilitator, where I apply my knowledge and skills to help individuals and groups navigate conflicts constructively. Looking ahead, I am eager to pursue a PhD, which I believe will further deepen my expertise and enable me to contribute more significantly to the field of conflict management and peace studies.

With over three years in the refugee solidarity movement along the Balkan Route, I’ve gained hands-on experience supporting migrating communities across Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Working with organizations like Are You Syrious, Blindspots, and the Border Violence Monitoring Network, I often served as a liaison between local and international actors, translating and mediating on the ground. This firsthand insight into the impacts of the EU border regime inspired my deep interest in critical border studies and human rights advocacy. Having just completed my Master’s in Intercultural Conflict Management, I’m now focused on research in border surveillance technologies and looking for roles in migration research, human rights, or investigative journalism. Let’s grab a coffee if you have leads or just want to chat!

Contact: isabellaranieri87[at]gmail.com

Hello!

I’m Georgewilliam Ndibarema from Uganda, an ICM graduate 2024 with a strong passion for promoting peace and fostering intercultural understanding. I have a background in philosophy and religious studies, I also obtained further training in participatory and adult learning methodologies and have served as a facilitator dedicated to the promotion of non-violence in the rural communities of Uganda. My scholarly journey at Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin has equipped me with the skills necessary to navigate and manage complex social conflicts within diverse, transnational frameworks. At present, I am exploring potential avenues within the humanitarian sector, with the objective of assisting marginalized populations in Germany through impactful research. My master's thesis evaluated integration strategies for third-country nationals, concentrating on EIRENE’s Strong Neighbours initiative in Neuwied, Germany, which raised my interest for project evaluation and development. I am eager to advance this endeavor within the realm of academia by engaging in research that supports inclusive initiatives aimed at supporting positive societal transformation.

Contact: ngwi[at]hotmail.com

I am Tesfaye Petros Botachew, an Ethiopian student at Alice Salomon University (ASH) graduate of 2024  in the Intercultural Conflict Management (ICM) program. After completing my college studies, I dedicated myself  working with people from diverse backgrounds and ethnic groups, many of whom were in constant conflict. Though this time in my life was deeply rewarding, addressing daily conflicts became part of my routine. I realized that conflict is unavoidable—whether we're with others or alone, it’s always present. The true question is not why conflict exists, but how we handle it. This is a critical lesson that we often overlook, both in our relationships with others and in our internal conflicts.

For 16 years, I worked in a conflict-prone area, doing my best to help the community, though I often felt that my efforts were insufficient. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to return to school to expand my understanding of intercultural conflict management. Leaving my community was challenging, but I knew it was essential for my growth, both personally and professionally.

In 2022, I enrolled in the ICM Master’s program at Alice Salomon University, my top choice for advanced study in this field. I was fortunate to join a diverse cohort of students from 15 different countries, each contributing unique perspectives on social, economic, cultural, and political issues. The program offered more than just theoretical knowledge—it provided practical insights from professors with real-world experience in conflict resolution, enabling me to gain valuable skills and strategies.

Currently, I am working as the Director of Multicultural Ministry, where I have the opportunity to engage with people from various cultural backgrounds. This role allows me to apply what I’ve learned in the ICM program on a daily basis. Working in multicultural ministry has proven to be an excellent opportunity to bridge differences and encourage mutual understanding and peace, especially in culturally diverse settings.

Being an ICM student has truly opened my eyes to global conflicts, especially those involving ethnic tensions. The program has equipped me with the tools to navigate and address conflicts in practical, effective ways. I wholeheartedly encourage others to explore this field of study because conflict is a universal experience—we are not isolated from it. If you are passionate about helping others and addressing conflicts, ICM is an invaluable choice.