5th Student Conference: Internationalisation of Higher Education - Opportunities and Challenges for Student Bodies

Internationalisation shapes the higher education landscape on various levels: as a defining characteristic of many institutions, as part of strategies and concepts, as a means of strengthening diversity, and as a mission aimed at deeper European integration and contributing to the resolution of societal challenges.

It opens doors for new collaborations and promotes exchange in the areas of study, learning, teaching, and research. At the same time, it presents challenges for higher education institutions. These challenges range from dealing with global crises to the often difficult access to institutions from an international perspective, as well as everyday discrimination experienced at study locations.

Regarding opportunities for participation at their own institutions, financial difficulties, assistance within the predominantly German-speaking administrative systems, and similar everyday issues, student representations often serve as central points of contact. In the support of international students or when solving problems related to studying abroad, student bodies act as representatives for their peers and play a role in academic self-administration. At many universities, student representatives are also involved in the strategic considerations of the institutions; however, this involvement could be significantly expanded. Especially in today's world, student representatives are called upon to actively address the challenges of internationalisation, to help shape these, and to take a stance on relevant issues.

From 13 to 15 December 2024, this conference at TU Braunschweig will delve into the tensions of internationalisation and the challenges faced by student representations. In participatory formats, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas on various topics and acquire knowledge and tools for their work. There will also be opportunities to learn from other student bodies and identify common positions.

Participants will have the chance to network and exchange views with representatives from International Offices, politics, the DAAD, and student services.

The outcomes of the conference will be submitted to the DAAD and are intended to strengthen the role of student bodies. Furthermore, the results will also contribute to the work of the participating organisations and local structures.

This 5th Student Conference builds on the previous four nationwide student conferences funded by the DAAD since May 2019.

Target groups:

• Representatives of the student bodies
• Representatives of student associations, state coalitions, and organisations
• International students
• Employees of universities
• Employees of student services organisations and the DAAD
• and other interested persons

Location: Auditorium, Haus der Wissenschaft, Pockelsstraße 11, 38106 Braunschweig

Location: Auditorium, Haus der Wissenschaft, Pockelsstraße 11, 38106 Braunschweig

• Prof. Dr. Angela Ittel, President of TU Braunschweig

• Aiym Jandybayeva, BAS board member

• Emmi Kraft, fzs board member

• Kimberly Sander, AStA of TU Braunschweig

• Kumar Ashish, representative of the student bodies on the DAAD board

Afterwards:

• Award ceremony for the DAAD prize for international students at TU Braunschweig

Location: Auditorium, Haus der Wissenschaft, Pockelsstraße 11, 38106 Braunschweig

Topic: “Responsibility, role and involvement of student bodies in the internationalization of universities”

• Prof. Dr. Angela Ittel, President TU Braunschweig & HRK Vice President for International Affairs, Gender Equality and Diversity
• Kumar Ashish, representative of the student bodies on the DAAD board
• Philipp Schubert, student representative in the European University Alliance
• Valeriia Kliuieva, Conference of Saxon Student Bodies, Department for International Students
• Cansu Yüce, International Affairs Officer of the AStA of Bielefeld University

Moderation: Emmi Kraft (fzs), Johannes Glembek (BAS)

• Vegan and vegetarian dishes
• Location: 5th floor, Haus der Wissenschaft

• Kick-off to the event day: Networking with coffee & tea
• Location: Aula, Haus der Wissenschaft

• Introduction to the programme: Presentation of the workshops
• Location: Aula, Haus der Wissenschaft

Workshop 1:
"Strategy of the Federal and State Ministers of Science for the Internationalisation of Higher Education Institutions in Germany"

• Room: RR. 58.1

In June 2024, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Conference of Ministers of Education (Kultusministerkonferenz) published the strategy of the Federal and State Ministers of Science for the period 2024–2034 on the topic of “Internationalisation of Higher Education Institutions in Germany” following a comprehensive consultation process.

The workshop will focus on the strategy and its implications for higher education institutions and the student body. In the workshop, we will present the strategy and discuss its consequences.

Workshop 2:
"Arriving successfully, getting started, sticking with it and graduating: study preparation and support for international students"

• Speaker: Evans Gumbe
• Room: RR 58.4

International students face specific challenges when starting their studies in Germany. From navigating a new environment to successfully integrating into academic life, this transition requires not only organisational support but also targeted guidance. At the same time, universities and students can benefit from effective support and intercultural sensitivity.

In this workshop, we will explore how successful preparation for and support of international students can be designed. The focus will be on the needs of international students, as well as the perspectives of the students and staff who support them.

Workshop Content:

• Preparation for Studies: Practical tips and tools for starting your studies – from orientation aids to language courses and support services during the first weeks.
• Support During Studies: What does continuous guidance look like? We will discuss peer mentoring, tutorials, and other proven approaches.
• Intercultural Sensitisation: Dealing with cultural differences and promoting an inclusive campus life.
• Exchange of Experiences: Best practices and success stories from the international student community.

Target Audience:
The workshop is aimed at international students seeking support, as well as students and staff who wish to engage in the mentorship and integration of their international peers.

Are you tired of feeling lost and encountering bureaucratic hurdles? Whether you are an international student yourself or want to actively support your fellow students, the workshop "Preparation for Studies and Support for International Students" is just right for you!

On 14 December 2024, I will provide you with practical insights on how to successfully start your studies and how you or your peers can tackle the challenges of university life. No dry theory here, just practical tips and tricks that can be applied directly – all served with a generous helping of humour.

About the Speaker

Dr. Evans Gumbe brings over 19 years of experience in supporting international students, with ten years in England and nine years in Germany. He has extensive knowledge in working with refugees, particularly in the area of immigration law. As a board member of the Forum for Migrants in the City of Lübeck, he represents 64,000 members and actively advocates for the integration and support of international communities.

Currently, Gumbe works in the International Office of the Technical University of Lübeck, where he is responsible for advising and supporting international students as well as promoting intercultural cooperation. He is an expert in intercultural communication, a PhD graduate in business administration, an intercultural trainer, and a trainer for anti-discrimination and empowerment. Additionally, he has developed a free anti-racism training programme in collaboration with the Integration Office and the Lübeck Ethnological Collection, which is accessible to all citizens.

Workshop 3:
“Students as designers of European Universites - the European University for Peace, Justice, and Inclusive Societies as an example”

• Speakers: Prof. Dr. Evelyn Korn (Vice President for University Culture and Quality, University of Marburg), Clement Desahy (Chair of Student Council, Limoges University), Alara Tasa (Chair of Student Council, Çukorova University)

• Room: PK 11.4

• The workshop language is English.

The workshop will focus on the role of student representatives and student bodies in the development of European universities. What does the work of student representatives look like, what obstacles and challenges do they have to overcome? What can student bodies realise from their ideas and plans and how do they plan and organise their work in the European universities?

The speakers will report on their experiences and their work, followed by a discussion. The aim of the discussion is to collate previous experiences and possibly identify common perspectives.

Workshop 4:
„International Students in Germany - Characteristics, Entry into Study, and Study Conditions“

• Speaker: Dr. Jan Kercher, Expert in External Studies & Statistics, Strategy and Governance Division, DAAD (via Video Conference)

• Room: PK 11.5. or Zoom Meeting (Meeting-ID: 667 0179 1343, Code: 21469537)

• Moderation: Johannes Glembek

• Online participation available

The workshop presents figures, data, and facts on internationalisation, mobility, and foreign students, providing a foundation for the discussion about the situation of international students.

• Academia - Open to the World: A Brief Introduction
• Who Comes to Germany and Why?
• How Do Study Entry, Study Conditions, and Study Success Unfold?
• How Satisfied Are Students with Their Studies in Germany?
• Who Stays in Germany After Graduation?
• Spotlight: English-Taught Programs – A Two-Sided Coin?
• Questions and Discussion

   

Workshop 5:
"Female Students with Migration Experience in Higher Education"

• Speaker: Maimouna Ouattara (DaMigra)
• Room: RR 58.2

The workshop focuses on the specific situation of female students with migration experiences in higher education. What particular challenges do they face, and how do they cope with them? Unfortunately, racism and sexism are also still prevalent in universities and require decisive countermeasures.

• Location: Aula, Haus der Wissenschaft

Workshop 6:
"Refugees in Higher Education"

• Speaker: Valeriia Kliuieva, Conference of Saxon Student Bodies, Department of International Students
• Room: RR 58.2

In 2024, over 230,000 asylum applications were submitted in Germany. Among them are many students and graduates, but only a few go on to pursue their studies. Although the study programmes in Germany are of high quality and often accessible without tuition fees, refugees face significant challenges when they wish to begin their studies here.

Despite positive experiences with support services for affected students at German universities, there is still room for improvement. In this workshop, we will take a closer look at the (hidden) problems that refugees encounter in their studies, discuss the existing gaps at our universities and in other organisations, and explore what measures can be taken (possibly even today) to assist refugee students.

Workshop 7:
„Student participation in the DAAD: How does being in contact with the DAAD help student bodies in their work in the field of internationalisation?“

• Speaker: Stanislaw Bondarew (BAS)
• Room: PK 11.5

Student representatives and student initiatives at both the decentralised and central levels of universities are key players and contributors to the internationalisation of both student bodies and universities as a whole. In addition to Workshop 13, this workshop will focus on the opportunities provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to support the engagement of student representatives and student initiatives in internationalisation.

After an introductory overview, workshop participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and identify potential opportunities. In the second part, participants will gain insights into the DAAD as an organisation. The discussion will cover the current opportunities for student involvement and student representatives within the DAAD. Additionally, the workshop will address the planned constitutional reform of the DAAD and the programmes offered by the DAAD that may be relevant for student bodies.

Workshop 8:
"Applying to German Universities – Easier Access for International Students?"

• Speaker: Fabian de Planque (BAS)
• Room: RR 58.1

Access to a German university represents the first major hurdle that international students must overcome. In recent years, additional obstacles have been increasingly introduced in the application process to verify proof and establish new requirements. In addition to the university entrance qualification for Bachelor or Master's programmes, language proficiency proofs are also required. Furthermore, students from China, Vietnam, and India must provide a certificate from the Academic Assessment Centre (APS) and demonstrate corresponding examination results. Some universities also require a TestAS. On the other hand, there are also trends in some federal states aimed at facilitating access to universities for international students.

The workshop will address these developments within the context of applications and access to higher education institutions and will discuss the action and influence options available to student bodies.

Workshop 9:
"If It Weren't for That Ball and Chain – On the Struggles with the Immigration Office"

• Speaker: Johannes Glembek (BAS)
• Room: PK 11.4

The immigration office still poses a significant hurdle for many international students during their studies and is often associated with worries or even fears. In particular, the requirement to demonstrate sufficient funding for living expenses and to provide evidence of prior academic success are just two of the demands that burden many international students significantly.

The workshop will address the documents and proofs that international students need to submit for the extension of their residence permit. However, the focus will particularly be on how international students can approach the immigration office with confidence and the knowledge necessary to present themselves convincingly.

The workshop is aimed at both the affected students and individuals who advise international students within the student bodies.

About the Speaker:
Johannes Glembek worked as a legal advisor for international students for fourteen years and has an extensive focus on residency and asylum law. He conducts regular training sessions on advisory practices and residency law.

Workshop 10:
Open Space: Open Forum for Additional Topics to Be Determined On-Site

• Moderator: Sascha Wellmann
• Room: RR 58.4

Join together to discuss and develop ideas – in this participatory format, the thematic contributions come from the participants themselves.

At the beginning, participants will present the topics they would like to discuss in the workshop. Spontaneous session ideas are encouraged and welcome, as well as prepared mini-workshops or short presentations.

We kindly ask participants to avoid presentations and lengthy lectures.

The most sought-after topics will be identified, discussed, and worked on collectively. The results will be captured on posters and shared with all other participants.

• Location: Aula, Haus der Wissenschaft

• Kick-off to the event day: Networking with coffee & tea
• Location: Aula, Haus der Wissenschaft

Workshop 11:
"Racism in Higher Education: Universities Are Not a Protected Space."

• Speaker: Younouss Wadjinny
• Room: RR 58.1

The workshop aims to help participants recognise racist patterns of thought and feeling, as well as structural racism, and to connect these issues to the racist influences in socialisation. Additionally, strategies for responding to racism and measures against structural racism will be developed and explored.

Workshop 12:
“Mental Health of International Students: Managing stress and anxiety in everyday student life and building resilience: Strategies for the mental health of students”

• Speaker: Kumar Ashish
• Room: RR 58.2
• The workshop language is English.

Being an international student can be both exciting and overwhelming, with academic, cultural, and personal challenges often leading to stress and anxiety. This workshop is designed to help students navigate these hurdles by providing practical strategies for managing mental health. We’ll explore ways to build resilience, cope with everyday pressures, and foster a balanced and positive outlook. Through interactive discussions and actionable tips, participants will gain the tools to create a healthier and more fulfilling student experience. Join us to learn how to thrive in your journey as an international student.

Workshop 13:
"International Student Bodies - How Can Student Bodies Organise and Structure Themselves? Which Areas of Work Are 'International'?"

• Speaker: Johannes Glembek (BAS)

• Room: PK 11.4

In this workshop, we will explore the various areas of internationalisation. Based on this foundation, we aim to develop action packages and concrete projects that support student bodies in orienting themselves internationally and actively engaging in the field of internationalisation. Additionally, we would like to work on approaches for internationalisation concepts and self-commitments for student bodies.

Internationalisation encompasses many aspects: actively involving international students in student bodies, transforming them from being affected individuals to active participants, advocating for the interests of international students, and breaking down language barriers. Furthermore, students should contribute to the internationalisation strategies of their universities, represent their interests in international partnerships, and advocate for the recognition of study abroad achievements. It is also essential to consider the integration and social needs of international students and to demand attention to digitalisation and sustainability aspects. Emergency funds and anti-racism work are other relevant topics.

After the workshop, participants should have concrete approaches that can be pursued further within the student bodies.

Workshop 14:
"The Roles of 'Third Parties' in the Internationalisation of Higher Education: What Role Do NGOs and University-Related Organisations Play in the Internationalisation of Universities?"

• Speakers: Stanislaw Bondarew (BAS), Philipp Höhne (ESN)
• Room: PK 11.5

The focus of the workshop is on university-related organisations and NGOs that actively contribute to the internationalisation of higher education institutions, whether at a decentralised or central level or in specific areas of internationalisation.

Additionally, the workshop promotes the exchange of experiences, challenges, needs, and potentials between these groups. Some organisations, such as student unions, the German Student Union (DSW), the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), and the European Law Students' Association (ELSA), will also be briefly introduced.

Workshop 15:
Open Space: Open Forum for Additional Topics to Be Determined On-Site

• Moderator: Sascha Wellmann
• Room: RR 58.4

Join together to discuss and develop ideas – in this participatory format, the thematic contributions come from the participants themselves.

At the beginning, participants will present the topics they would like to discuss in the workshop. Spontaneous session ideas are encouraged and welcome, as well as prepared mini-workshops or short presentations.

We kindly ask participants to avoid presentations and lengthy lectures.

The most sought-after topics will be identified, discussed, and worked on collectively. The results will be captured on posters and shared with all other participants.

• Location: Aula, Haus der Wissenschaft

• Location: Aula, Haus der Wissenschaft