Maria Blöcher studied German literature and classics at King’s College London and the Universität Heidelberg, where she passed the state examination to become a teacher. Maria has taught at high schools and universities in Germany, Singapore and the UK, and volunteered for Studies Without Borders and the Asylarbeitskreis [Asylum Task Force], teaching German to refugees. Recently, Maria worked for the Higher Education Unit of the UNHCR in Geneva. As a Mercator Fellow, Maria wants to explore innovative opportunities for providing access to tertiary education for refugees.