International student exchange: 72 new faces in Paderborn!

International student exchange: 72 new faces in Paderborn!

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, an important introductory event for new exchange students took place at the University of Paderborn. Under the leadership of Martina Leifeld from the International Office, a total of 72 international students from 36 partner universities and 20 nations were warmly welcomed. This event represented an important step in the integration of these students into academic life in Germany. In addition, 52 exchange students who started in the winter semester will be in Paderborn in the summer semester of 2025.

The new students received a comprehensive overview of the university and the campus. A first round of cafeteria was organized to promote exchange and interaction among the students. In addition to the basic information about the university, a cultural accompanying program was also presented, which was organized by both the International Office and the student association “Eurobiz e. V.” is organized. Numerous events are planned that will take the new students to various cities in Germany.

Integration and support

In the first week, the new exchange students will take part in intercultural workshops run by the International Office. These workshops deal with the topic of “Living and Studying in Germany” and serve to make it easier for students to adapt to the new environment. During the month of March, they will also complete a semester-preparatory German course to improve their language skills and make communication with other students easier.

In order to further promote integration, 39 Paderborn students take on the role of buddies and support the exchange students in their first weeks. These mentors help, for example, with rental agreements, shopping and going to the residents' registration office, which is a significant relief, especially for students from abroad.

The buddy program

The Buddy Program, supported by the International Office, invites students from all over the world to register and show interest in other cultures. The program starts one month before lectures start - in September in the winter semester and in March in the summer semester. An important aspect is the ability to specify a language preference or a specific country during registration in order to make the exchange even more individual. The buddies are required to provide organizational support to their exchange students during their initial time in Paderborn.

In addition, the program enables the buddies to continue to stay in contact with the exchange students and maintain cultural exchange. Further information about the buddy program can be found on the websites of the International Office and the Eurobiz student initiative. Ms. Heike Stiller is the contact person for the buddy program, while Ms. Ilka Dönhoff is responsible for the tandem program, which specifically helps improve foreign language skills.

The universities' commitment is reflected not only in the support of exchange students, but also in the comprehensive support provided through numerous programs. The city of Paderborn and the university therefore offer a high-quality environment for international students to grow both academically and culturally and to integrate into society.

Overall, the University of Paderborn is an example of a positive attitude towards international exchange and the promotion of intercultural skills, which is particularly important in times of globalization.