The World University Service (WUS) is a network of legally independent, non-governmental organizations represented in over 50 countries around the world. It was founded in 1920 as the World Student Christian Federation to meet the needs of students and academics in the aftermath of World War One. After World War Two, it merged with European Student Relief to become International Student Service and eventually as WUS in the 1950s.
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In the 1970s it began to focus on campaigning for educational rights for the disadvantaged.
WUS is not only involved in the field of higher education but all levels of education and further advocates for human rights worldwide, particularly with respect to education. WUS is recognized as a consultative organization by the United Nations and UNESCO.
WUS Austria
WUS Austria was founded in 1983 in Graz. The organization supports academic freedom as well as the right to education in the field of higher education. The main focus of their work lies in the successor states of the former Yugoslavia such as Croatia. The projects of WUS Austria are grouped into four core areas:
WUS Austria cooperates with different actors from the private sector, the public sector, educational and research institutions as well as representatives of civil society - both individuals and institutions. WUS Austria also offers various services including project development, project management, networking and consulting.
WUS Germany
WUS Germany was founded in 1950. Regional WUS groups are located in Berlin, Hamburg, Jena and Leipzig which are active in the counseling and mentoring of foreign students and carry out tutorials, mentoring programs, language courses and lectures.
In addition, WUS Germany organizes seminars, publications and information materials. WUS conducts public relations work at the political level in education and development policy organizations and in the media. WUS participates in national and international campaigns in education and development, offers consultations and conducts scholarship programs and projects.