Studying abroad offers the opportunity to discover new cultures, improve language skills, and gain new perspectives. Presstige has taken a closer look at what Augsburg University offers to international students.
Augsburg University collaborates with about 250 universities in 50 countries, enabling international exchanges across five continents. Currently, 1,618 foreign students are studying at Augsburg University, either for a semester or a full degree. Of these, 83 were exchange students last winter semester and 104 the previous summer. About twice as many Augsburg students go to universities abroad.
Mr. Salmen, who supports incoming exchange students, works with his colleagues to achieve a more balanced exchange:
“It is important for the cooperations with the foreign universities that about as many students come to us as we send there. Augsburg students also benefit from a diverse campus life and an international community.”
From the Old Town to the Campus: What International Students Love
It’s hard to say why not more international students come to Augsburg. The closeness to Munich and other university cities could be a reason. Presstige asked exchange students why they chose Augsburg and what they particularly like about it. Vilma from Finland and Orla from Ireland appreciate Augsburg’s central location and good transport connections, allowing them to easily travel around Europe. They also enjoy the beautiful and clean (old) town. At the university, they love the green campus and the university lake. Matisse from Canada highlights that Augsburg and the university are the perfect size, making it easier for her to improve her German because not as much English is spoken.
Offerings from the International Office
The International Office (AA) offers a variety of programs and events to help international students get started and promote cultural exchange. These include cultural evenings, courses on German culture and society, and a buddy program. During the cultural evenings, international students present their home countries, fostering intercultural exchange and providing a relaxed atmosphere for making new friends. Courses like “Studying and Living in Germany – Intercultural Competence for Exchange Students” teach important cultural and communication skills. The buddy program pairs international students with Augsburg buddies who help them orient and provide valuable support throughout the semester. Additionally, the language tandem program allows for mutual exchange of language skills.
Other offerings include the International Classroom Experience, where students can participate in schools in Augsburg and potentially earn credits. There is also an university support office, a joint position with the city, which assists the International Office with bureaucratic hurdles such as residence permits and registrations. Exchange students also receive guaranteed rooms at the university housing at cheaper rates than private accommodations. The AA maintains an active Instagram channel with informative and humorous content. In collaboration with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), the AA organizes orientation weeks at the beginning of each semester. The ESN also offers numerous events and activities for international students, including excursions, parties, and the weekly Stammtisch, a platform for exchange and getting to know each other.
Learning German at Augsburg University
The Language Center at Augsburg University offers a comprehensive range of free German courses, from level A1 to C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). These courses are attended by international students from all disciplines and backgrounds. The motivation to learn German is diverse. Some want to navigate everyday life more easily, while others appreciate the opportunity to read German literature in the original. According to Ms. Negele, head of the German as a Foreign Language (DaF) department, the number of learners at a high level has recently declined. Next year, after the Corona break, the International Summer Programme will finally be offered again. In this project-based language course international students from level B2 use the city of Augsburg to explore and gain a deeper understanding of aspects of German culture.
Academic Opportunities and Room for Improvement
For international students, the availability of English taught courses is crucial when choosing a university for exchange. At Augsburg University, various faculties offer courses in English. The Faculty of Business and Economics, in particular, offers many English taught courses and is well-equipped through its Center for International Relations (CIR), which acts as a link between the AA and the faculty. However, other faculties offer fewer courses, which can be a challenge for international students. A complete bachelor’s degree in English is currently not possible, although there are a few master’s programs that can be completed entirely in English.
Mr. Salmen from the International Office sees also other room for improvement: “The needs of international students are not always considered. For example, many campus signs and cafeteria labels are only in German, which can be difficult for non-German-speaking students.“
The surveyed students mostly very much enjoyed their studies in Augsburg but also expressed a few wishes for improvement. Matisse would be happy if people spoke more slowly in German conversations with her instead of switching to English, since it would make it easier for her to improve her German.
Conclusion: Commitment and Future Prospects
The exchange program and the International Office at Augsburg University are praised for their dedicated and effective work. Students are sometimes more satisfied with the support in Augsburg than at their home universities. The support before the stay and the well-organized welcome events also received much praise. These feedbacks show how the AA facilitates and enriches the start and stay of international students. With just a few improvements, the university could further strengthen its position as an attractive place to study in the global competition.
To Be Continued...
Next semester, we will publish a series of articles that delve deeper into the work of the International Office, the Buddy-Programm, the ESN and the German Language Courses.