In their quest for an internship in the field of academia, several Indian students try to get in touch via emails with foreign university professors. In these emails, the students express their desire and aspiration to gain international experience to enhance their academic skills.
The same was done by an Indian student (name not disclosed) who emailed a German professor, Arndt Last, for a research internship at Germany’s Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. However, the way the professor responded to his email has left a lot of people online baffled.
A screenshot of the email was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user named Harshit Tiwari who claimed that it was his friend who emailed the professor. In response to his email that was titled ‘Seeking for internship under your guidance’, the professor wrote that he would be polluting the air by coming to Germany, which is why he cannot invite him.
“You would pollute the air by flying to come here. That is why I will not invite you here. Think about an internship close to where you live to avoid polluting our world! Regards, Arndt Last,” the response read.
Have a look at the email here:
“My friend sent a mail for a research internship in Germany to a German professor! Here’s what the response was! Can someone explain this remark,” an angered Harshit asked on social media.
My friend sent a mail for a research internship in Germany to a german professor ! Here whats the response was ! Can someone explain this remark 😡 pic.twitter.com/YmjlmwucjN
— Harshit Tiwari (@sayharshit) October 24, 2023
While some people online found the professor’s response rude and racist, a few explained how he might be a staunch environmentalist who is concerned about the environmental impact of air travel. Here’s a look at some of the responses:
I would’ve replied “But I thought you guys had Gas chambers?”
— thoughts and ideas (@thoughtsandide5) October 25, 2023
Sure, he couldve been a lil kinder but this isn’t racist. It is true that air travel leaves a huge footprint & he is sensitive about the climate and maybe sounding insensitive towards u. But sharing his email address like this is also not good & whats with gas chamber remark!?🤦
— Yash Upase (@HereIsYash) October 26, 2023
It’s not uncommon for Europeans to be very vocal about global warming and do indeed think that air travel is a a big cause of the same. I know of someone who refused to do a destination wedding because of the environmental impact it would have with guests flying to destination.
— Subhor Khanna (@subhor) October 26, 2023
May be he is professor in the gif below. 🦠 pic.twitter.com/zFh3Ws7ABb
— Abhishek Kamble (@AbhishekKamble_) October 24, 2023
Dear sir,
I will literally get on a ship to germany if you invite me there for an internship.
— siphyshu // jaiyank (@siphyshu) October 25, 2023
The university in question reached out to Harshit and claimed that Professor Last’s response is being misinterpreted. Have a look:
Dear Harshit Tiwari, of course, KIT does _not_ endorse racist statements. We regret that you misinterpreted Professor Last’s answer in this way. His answer was unquestionably short, but in no way intentionally hurtful.
— KIT Karlsruhe (@KITKarlsruhe) October 26, 2023
What are your views about this incident?