Bochum launches Welcome Office: International talent for the future!

Bochum launches Welcome Office: International talent for the future!

On March 31, 2025, a decisive step was taken in Bochum to combat the impending shortage of skilled workers: the “Welcome Office Bochum” was ceremonially opened. This initiative is a joint project by the city of Bochum and several cooperation partners to attract skilled workers and workers from abroad while the baby boomer generation is retiring. The opening of the Welcome Office takes place against the background of a comprehensive internationalization strategy, which sees the Ruhr University Bochum as a central player.

The Welcome Office acts as a one-stop shop that offers comprehensive information and advisory services on dealing with authorities, finding accommodation and integration issues. The target groups are particularly people who live, work or want to study in Bochum. The Bochum team is supported by the employees of the International Office of the Ruhr University, who have extensive experience with international students and researchers. The Welcome Office's opening hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special emphasis on advisory services on Wednesdays.

Support from local actors

The cooperation partners include the city of Bochum, the Central Ruhr Area Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Bochum Employment Agency as well as the Dortmund Chamber of Crafts and the municipal integration management. In addition, regional universities, the trade education center, the Bochum volunteer agency, the city sports association and various housing associations work together within the framework of this network. This broad cooperation underlines the goal of further profiling the Ruhr University Bochum as an attractive research and study location.

The Ruhr University's internationalization strategy, known as RUB International 2030, places great emphasis on developing an improved culture of welcome and support. The university itself has developed an international self-image that takes into account the challenges and opportunities of a globalized university landscape. The aspects of internationality, diversity, digitalization and sustainability are becoming increasingly important.

International visibility and challenges

In the context of internationalization, a global survey conducted by the International Association of Universities (IAU), published on April 2, 2024, demonstrates the high relevance of internationalization for universities in Germany. Over 700 universities from 110 countries took part in the survey. Within the German university landscape, the greatest added value of internationalization is seen in strengthening intercultural skills and gaining institutional reputation. At the same time, universities face challenges such as increased workloads for staff, ecological footprints caused by international mobility and bureaucratic hurdles.

With the Welcome Office and its internationalization strategy, the Ruhr University Bochum focuses on the targeted recruitment of international talent in order to further position itself in global competition. This commitment is a central part of the vision for the future of the university and its role in the international scientific community.