Using a holistic approach, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences supports international students in their integration—academically, socially, and professionally.

In light of the growing shortage of skilled workers in Germany, International Affairs is becoming increasingly important from both a strategic and economic perspective . The Free State of Saxony’s skilled workforce strategy also emphasizes that the shortage of skilled workers is one of the greatest risks to growth for Saxony as a business location. In this context, the topic of International Affairs is playing an increasingly important role at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. With the goal of attracting more international students and providing them with guidance and support both during their studies and beyond, the HSZG focuses on comprehensive assistance and support in both academic and non-academic areas. Particular attention is paid to the social integration of students and to promoting their integration into the Saxon labor market.

To achieve these goals, the HSZG established the International Affairs Working Group under the leadership of the Vice President for Education and International Affairs, Professor Sophia Keil. Its task is to further develop the existing internationalization strategy and continuously adapt it to the changing needs of students as well as to economic challenges. A key priority is to create an open and warm welcoming culture and to actively promote the integration of international students in both academic and social settings. By providing targeted support for integration into the German labor market, the HSZG makes a significant contribution to securing a skilled workforce in the region and supports the implementation of the Free State of Saxony’s skilled workforce strategy. With this initiative, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences makes a valuable contribution to the future viability of Saxony as a business location and strengthens its international profile.

Colleagues from various areas of the university work together in the International Affairs working group and pool their expertise to develop concrete measures. The members include Prof.in Dr.in Sophia Keil (Vice President Education and International Studies), Dr. Cristiano Marcellino (Head of the University Language Centre), Dr. Ewa Wieszczeczynska (Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies), Alina Bulcsu (Head of the International Office), Susanne Fentzel (University Development and Communication), Kristin Groß (KIA Officer of the Vice President), Corina Haak (KIA International) and Inna Hauf (Specialist Staff Initiative in the area of the Vice President Education and International Studies).

The working group is open to all university employees - everyone is welcome to participate and contribute their own ideas.

The working group kicked off with a kick-off workshop on 20 June 2024, where thoughts and ideas were exchanged and an internationalization plan was developed. The vision was formulated, clear goals were derived and specific tasks were defined. Since then, the team has met regularly for a monthly jour fixe to discuss the results and develop new, needs-based solutions. Since its foundation, the working group has presented its plans and measures in various internal committees and integrated valuable feedback. In addition, external partners such as regional companies and the Firmenausbildungsring Oberland have been involved. The working group was represented at the IHK employers' conference.

To support the Skilled Workforce Strategy 2030, the Free State of Saxony has developed a comprehensive action plan and allocated funds for the targeted implementation of these measures. As part of the International Affairs Working Group, HSZG has launched its own skilled workforce initiative. This initiative involves specifically targeting and recruiting international prospective and first-year students, ensuring their academic success, and providing support and guidance to students in both academic and non-academic areas. Another component of this initiative is preparing international students for integration into the Saxon labor market.

A dedicated team of three people handles these tasks: Susanne Fentzel is responsible for recruiting prospective international students, Dr. Cristiano Marcellino is responsible for ensuring academic success, and Inna Hauf is dedicated to preparing students for the job market and their integration into the regional economy.

Targeted measures were developed for the target groups—comprising international students at HSZG, students at the Studienkolleg in Zittau, and students at the Rahn Education Studienkolleg in Leipzig—and a comprehensive action plan was drawn up for the 2024–2025 winter semester. In just three months since the start of the semester, approximately 90% of the target group has actively participated in the offered programs. This underscores the great importance and necessity of internationalization efforts and highlights how crucial it is to provide targeted support to international students.

Individual counseling plays a major role in supporting international students. Many of them seek advice on topics such as academic guidance, identifying their own skills and potential, application reviews, and career prospects. These services are particularly in demand among students at the preparatory schools, who take full advantage of the counseling opportunities with great enthusiasm.

In addition, workshops such as “Applying the Right Way” were organized, providing students with valuable tips and tricks for applications and job interviews. Following these sessions, participants had the opportunity to receive personalized counseling to further optimize their applications.

On November 5 and 6, 2024, the HSZG welcomed students from the Rahn Studienkolleg in Leipzig. The international guests traveled from Leipzig to get to know the university and the region. The guests received comprehensive information about studying at the HSZG. The visit began with a campus tour and lab tours, which gave the students a closer look at the HSZG’s modern facilities and technical equipment. In the evening, they were invited to a welcome party/international evening at the Dezi-Bar, where the president and the Vice President for Education and International Affairs, together with the students, international students, and international staff members of the HSZG, officially opened the current winter semester. In a relaxed atmosphere, everyone had the opportunity to strike up conversations and gain initial insights into university life. On the second day, the focus was on lab practicals and workshops. In small groups, the college students exchanged ideas with HSZG faculty and students and learned about the university’s individualized support structure.

A key component of the action plan is the provision of career prospects for international students. A particular focus here is on the targeted preparation of students for integration into the Saxon labor market. To this end, numerous events have already been organized to support this goal.

On 8 November 2024, the HSZG's skilled workers initiative organized a joint visit to the late shift in Zittau. Numerous companies from the region opened their doors and offered the international students company tours and demonstrations. Competent contacts were available to answer questions about working student jobs, internships and career opportunities after graduation. The exchange was enriching and provided the students with valuable information and practical tips. The enthusiasm of the international students, who took the opportunity to get to know the regional companies at first hand, was particularly pleasing.

In addition, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences organized company tours at regional companies such as Glaubitz GmbH & Co KG in Zittau and V.D. Ledermann & Co GmbH in Bautzen to give the students an understanding of career prospects in the region.

In the future, further events are planned with the companies at the HSZG, such as "Companies introduce themselves". At these events, companies will present their goals, services and strategies, show students entry prospects and present exciting internship and part-time job offers.

The HSZG also offers a wide range of non-academic leisure activities that help international students to integrate socially and regionally.

The International Campus Café at the Görlitz campus offers an exciting experience - a place where students can get to know new cultures and languages in a relaxed atmosphere and improve their language skills at the same time. In addition, students from other countries receive valuable support with the challenges they face in everyday student life. Whether international students or locals - everyone who is interested in intercultural exchange is welcome here. All participants need to bring is a cup for the coffee and a plate for the cake. Everything else is provided - and a sympathetic ear is guaranteed. The International Campus Café has established itself and is organized with great commitment by students every two weeks on the Görlitz campus.

The crowning degree of the year was the International Dinner in the DeZi-Bar on December 18, 2024 - one of the most enjoyable events offered at the HSZG. Around 80 students from over 10 different countries (e.g. Mexico, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, India, China, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Syria, Indonesia, Germany) as well as university staff prepared delicious dishes from their home countries and invited everyone to try these special treats. A large table was set with culinary specialties from all over the world so that participants could embark on a taste journey around the globe. Students from the Zittau and Görlitz campuses came together in a relaxed atmosphere, introduced themselves and talked about how they came to our region and what they particularly like about it. Following the banquet, a raffle provided even more fun. The students not only had a lot of fun, but also got to know new cultures and celebrated their culinary traditions together.

Leisure activities, such as hikes in the Zittau Mountains, bowling evenings, visits to the theater or ice skating, complement the HSZG's offerings and make a significant contribution to promoting the social and regional integration of our international students. These shared experiences enable them to get to know the region better and feel welcome and integrated in their new environment.

In August 2024, the first report was submitted to the SMWK, in which the internationalization plan and the planned measures were presented. Further reporting on the success of the implemented measures will follow in January 2025. At the same time, a survey of international students will be conducted to determine their wishes, ideas and needs. Future plans and measures will be optimized on the basis of these findings. In addition, a joint workshop is being prepared to modernize the internationalization strategy.

We are on a promising path and look forward with confidence to a future that will be characterized by international and cultural diversity as well as dynamic economic growth. The HSZG plays an important role as a driving force and is actively shaping this positive change in our region.