25 years of sponsorship program: International studies in Paderborn celebrate success!

25 years of sponsorship program: International studies in Paderborn celebrate success!

On May 9, 2025, the University of Paderborn celebrated an important anniversary: ​​The sponsorship program for international students looks back on 25 years of successful support. Over 200 exchange students, sponsors and former and active participants took part in the celebration, which was characterized by the values ​​of openness, diversity and international cooperation. Simone Probst and Prof. Dr. Heike Trautmann welcomed those present and emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the community.

The sponsorship program, organized by the International Office and the student initiative “Eurobiz”, has established itself as one of the oldest childcare offers of this type in Germany. It not only offers help with administrative procedures, but also extensive information that makes it easier for international students to get started at the university and in the city. In her speech, Angelika Brebeck, the former deputy head of the International Office, recalled the founding of the sponsorship program a quarter of a century ago.

A program with broad impact

The celebrations also coincided with European Day, which had the motto “75 years of unity and cooperation”. This made clear the overarching importance of the sponsorship program, which has an impact far beyond the boundaries of the university. The intercultural choir “Klangkult” provided the musical accompaniment to the festive event, which further underlined the international character of the celebration.

The sponsorship program is an example of the diverse opportunities that the University of Paderborn offers international students. In addition to the sponsorship program, students can choose various programs to gain international experience. These include courses with an international focus, a semester abroad or internships abroad as well as English-language courses and intercultural exchange programs. These offerings not only promote professional knowledge, but also language skills and understanding of other cultures, which is essential for personal and professional growth.

New challenges for international students

With the increasing interest of international students in working in Germany, support throughout the entire course of their studies is becoming increasingly important. Many people face challenges, especially when starting their careers. In order to overcome these hurdles, the DAAD has launched a new program called FIT (Promotion of International Talents for Integration into Studies and the Labor Market). This program has been supporting universities since April 2024 and is financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

The FIT program includes 89 funded projects that focus on supporting international students - from study preparation to social and professional integration. For example, the Würzburg-Schweinfurt University of Technology shows how important collaborations with international partners can contribute to optimal preparation for engineering courses. Similar initiatives can be found at universities such as the University of Applied Sciences and Arts, where programs such as “Studienstart plus” are offered to make it easier for international students to get started.

These comprehensive support measures are intended to ensure that international students not only achieve their academic goals, but are also well integrated into German society and the labor market. This allows them to exploit the full potential of their experience and make a valuable contribution to the diversity and development of universities in Germany.