International

Dorina Dedgjoni, Hochschule Fulda

Mobility in Times of Uncertainty: Rethinking Opportunities and Challenges

International mobility is increasingly shaped by social inequalities as well as changing political, economic and institutional contexts. This keynote explores the opportunities and challenges associated with mobility and examines how these dynamics influence individual mobility trajectories. It also considers the broader implications of these developments for higher education and the future of international mobility.

Workshop 1:
Sonja Thielemann, Maria Schulze-Sylvester, Hochschule Geisenheim University

Building and Sustaining Strategic University Partnerships 

The workshop combines a presentation on the development and implementation of the European University Alliance EU-GIFT with an interactive session on strategic university partnerships. It shares practical experiences and lessons learned—from developing the initial idea and identifying suitable partners to building commitment, navigating challenges, fostering trust, and cultivating an international mindset. During the workshop, participants will exchange experiences and work in small groups to explore the key factors that contribute to the successful initiation, management, and further development of strategic partnerships. The workshop concludes by identifying the Top Success Factors for Strategic University Partnerships.

Workshop 2:
Birgit Kraus, Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg

Who really goes abroad? Student mobility and social background

Who gets the opportunity to study abroad – and who is still missing? This workshop focuses on first-generation students as an important target group for widening participation in international mobility. It explores why their mobility matters not only for individual students, but also for higher education institutions and society as a whole.
A short impulse presentation introduces data and existing strategies from different contexts. Participants will discuss where and how relevant data can be collected, identify potential gaps in their own institutional evidence base, and explore how data can foster effective measures to foster first-generation students’ mobility abroad.
The workshop combines input, discussion and practical reflection, enabling participants to identify possible application areas and benefits for their own institutions.

Katja Thevs, Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst

From Recruitment to Graduation: Empowering International Students

International talent is key to Germany’s future. Yet for many international graduates, the path from university to a successful career in Germany remains challenging. How can universities help bridge this gap and turn international talent into long-term opportunities?

This keynote introduces the DAAD’s Campus Initiative for International Talents, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, and its funding programmes FIT and Profi plus. It explores how universities can support international students throughout their entire student journey – from study preparation and academic success to a successful transition into the German labour market.

Workshop 1:
Bettina Rauschmayr-Immers, Hochschule RheinMain

Opening Doors to Higher Education: Designing successful preparatory program

The workshop explores how universities can support international students in their transition to higher education. Hochschule RheinMain – University of Applied Sciences and Art will present its approach to study preparation. The presentation will focus on two different preparatory programs: one for applicants with a direct university entrance qualification and one for applicants without. An interactive exchange will follow, focusing on successful strategies, common challenges and innovative ideas from participating institutions. 

Workshop 2:
Petra Kreis-Hoyer, Hochschule RheinMain

English-Taught Degree Progams: Strength and Challenges

Workshop 3:

Deborah Schwarz, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn

Supporting international students throughout the student-life-cycle

Workshop 4:
Manuel Vogler, Hochschule RheinMain

International Career Service RheinMain – A best practice example

How do regional partnerships support your work? In this workshop, we present how the International Career Service Rhein-Main, a regional partnership of six universities in the Rhine-Main area, supports international students in their transition from studying to their careers. We focus on how regional partnerships create opportunities for both staff and students. Through hands-on activities, we will explore how you can build your own partnerships and find new opportunities to strengthen your work.

Wiesbaden Christmas Market

Wrap-Up and Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion:

Combating Uncertainty: Creating a sense of belonging for exchange and degree seeking students