A large number of international students have started their studies at the University of Stuttgart in the summer semester 2024, including more than 100 international students who will spend one or more semesters here as part of exchange programs with partner universities.
Support even before arrival
As part of the International Office's orientation program, many international students attended pre-departure online events with information on studying, living and housing in Stuttgart and the necessary formalities for their arrival. More than 80 students then took part in the buddy program ready.study.stuttgart, a cooperation with the Studierendenwerk Stuttgart that has been in place since 2015. Experienced student buddies support international students during their start in Stuttgart, e.g. by picking them up at the airport/train station, helping them with moving into heir accommodation or dealing with the necessary formalities.
The highlight of the arrival period was the Welcome Day on April 4. 140 newly arrived international got together in the foyer of the IZ to get in the mood for their studies, clarify questions in person, get to know the advisors from the International Office, make contacts with fellow students, take a deep breath in a "Welcome Lounge" and enjoy refreshments. The places for city tours and a visit to the Porsche Museum were quickly booked out. Campus tours, a raffle and the "Sharing Campaign", which was once again organized in cooperation with stuvus and provided new international students with well-preserved household items free of charge, were very popular.
German course in advance
The majority of the exchange students from our partner universities were welcomed to the IZ in March for a five-week intensive German course. They joined city tours organized by the Buddy Program as well as visits to the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Wilhelma. There will be further exciting activities over the course of the semester.
An important tool for ensuring the academic success of international students in their first/second semester is the Intercultural Mentoring Program. Each semester, there are 50-100 meticulously selected one-to-one mentoring tandems of new international and experienced students. This provides new students with a unique intercultural experience and supports them in organizing their studies, finding their way around and learning German. The program, which includes a wide range of events, is now in its twelfth year and is a nationally renowned best practice model.
If international students have any questions or problems, e.g. regarding their residence permits, they can arrange consultations with the respective supervisor. They can also receive support in the office hours (on site: Mon & Wed 2pm-4pm and Tue & Thu 10am-12pm; online: Mon & Wed 10am-12pm. For support or suggestions, please contact incoming@ia.uni-stuttgart.de.