How student initiatives can support refugees

Business schools have always had a strong foundation in driving innovation and tackling global challenges. An article published by Forbes, one of the world’s leading business magazines, focuses on the special role of students in this process and highlights the FS initiative Economy and Politics (FS EcoPol) as an example of support for refugees.

FS EcoPol encourages students to think outside of the box by debating current political and macroeconomic issues. Considering the recent global events, such as refugee crises, the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan, and the Football World Cup in Qatar, the initiative has hosted multiple events about the situation of refugees and migrant workers. Thereby FS EcoPol provides a community and platform for refugees and international students.

The Forbes piece quotes Elias Luef, FS-student in Business Administration and together with Moritz Schmidt-Rahmer one of the two heads of EcoPol, who emphasises the crucial role played by such initiatives in enhancing students' comprehension of refugee situations and fostering empathy and proactive involvement. By combining academic knowledge and real-world challenges, business schools equip future leaders with the skills to create secure environments for refugees, encourage meaningful dialogue, and facilitate learning between refugees and other students.

“Many socially significant problems are either too far away from people’s own environment or not discussed in lectures. Initiatives like this offer external and otherwise overlooked information highly relevant for the future business leaders of our time”, Elias explains.

Through initiatives like FS EcoPol, business schools are actively contributing to building a more empathetic and supportive society.

Frankfurt School is committed to supporting students who are displaced by war in their own countries. The business school offers scholarships with a full tuition waiver to eligible undergraduate, graduate and PhD students. In addition, the FS Hardship Fund covers their living expenses.

You can read the full Forbes article here: How Business Schools Are Helping Refugees