International students in focus: conference at Chemnitz University of Technology!

International students in focus: conference at Chemnitz University of Technology!

The annual conference for international students of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) will take place at Chemnitz University of Technology on May 15 and 16, 2025. Every year the DAAD organizes this conference at different locations in Germany in order to strengthen international student support. This event is aimed primarily at employees of the International Offices and International Offices who are responsible for looking after international students. The goal is to exchange information about current developments, best practices and strategies in this important area.

The opening of the conference was by Prof. Dr. Maximilian Eibl, Vice Rector for Teaching and International Affairs at Chemnitz University of Technology, and Dr. Katharina Fleckenstein, head of the DAAD's internationalization programs department, led. The opening speech addressed the challenges and opportunities of integrating international students.

Topics and panelists

The panel discussion at the conference covered central topics such as integration, support and support for international students in Germany. Participants on the podium included Etelka Kobuß, migration officer for the city of Chemnitz, and Dr. Benny Liebold, Managing Director of the International University Center at Chemnitz University of Technology, took part. This group discussed various approaches and solutions to provide students with the best possible support during their stay.

On the second day, Prof. Dr. Stephan Odenwald will provide insights into the support services offered by the “Advanced Manufacturing” master’s degree program. In addition, workshops on topics such as English and bilingual bachelor's degree programs are offered, as well as a lecture on Pakistan. Participants also have the opportunity to get to know Chemnitz University of Technology and the city of Chemnitz better on campus and city tours.

Transnational education and the role of the DAAD

In a larger context, the event marks 20 years of transnational education, which the DAAD promotes with its Transnational Education (TNB) program. This program, which has existed for two decades, offers German educational opportunities at foreign partner universities. To mark the anniversary, a conference took place in Berlin in May 2023, at which representatives of the DAAD and other institutions discussed the successes and development of German higher education in international comparison.

The TNB program enables students who cannot study in Germany to acquire German university degrees or curricula at their home university. According to DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee includes TNB certified study programs and offers from German universities that are established at partner universities abroad. This commitment is supported by various institutions, including the Federal Foreign Office, which awards scholarships for foreign students in TNB programs.

There are currently around 330 TNB projects underway worldwide, ranging from additional qualifications to entire faculties. Over 35,000 students are enrolled in TNB projects at 55 university locations. For example, the German University of Technology in Oman has been able to attract over 2,500 students since it was founded in 2007, and the German-Jordanian University offers practical courses with a strong connection to Germany.

For those interested in the annual conference for international students at Chemnitz University of Technology, further information is available from Susan Kuchs in the International University Center: susan.kuchs@iuz.tu-chemnitz.de.

In summary, this conference highlights the central role that international student support plays for German higher education and underlines the importance of transnational educational offerings for the personal and academic development of students worldwide.