Coming from all around the world, they leave everything behind and dare to venture into the unknown to start a new chapter: international students. But how does this fresh start turn into a success? What challenges can occur? And how does the International Office support students on campus? THWS employee Aylin Chaban and student Rushil Nagpal share their views.
Published on 28 July 2025
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) has been welcoming international students from over 80 countries for more than 40 years and maintains contact with more than 230 partner universities worldwide. The International Office (HSIN) is responsible for all aspects of international exchange and the support of international students. A total of 24 employees work there, covering the entire range of tasks from project coordination and cooperation with partner universities or Erasmus funding to supporting outgoing and incoming students. Outgoing students are students of THWS who want to spend a semester abroad at a partner university. Incoming students are students of other universities coming to THWS to study.
Support from admission to graduation
Aylin Chaban works at the International Office: "I grew up in Bulgaria and came to Würzburg as an international student of German Studies. For ten years I have worked in the International Office supporting international full-time students and exchange students from partner universities," Aylin Chaban supports and advises incoming students throughout their studies, with all non-academic affairs from admission to graduation. Support is divided into two groups: international full-time students and exchange students. The students of the first group intend to complete their entire bachelor's or master's studies at THWS whereas the second group only studies in Würzburg or Schweinfurt for one or two semesters.
Chaban's responsibilities include administrative assistance with formalities such as enrolment, health insurance, finding accommodation, and providing information. The International Office also organises orientation days before the start of the semester. This gives students the opportunity to get to know each other and at the same time receive important information about their studies and life in Germany. Intercultural differences are also discussed in order to avoid misunderstandings and facilitate integration. Further support offers to promote integration and exchange accompany international students throughout their studies. These include, for example, workshops on career orientation or leisure activities such as day trips to various cities, visits to sporting events, or city rallies. Aylin Chaban and her colleagues also offer peer-to-peer programmes that enable students to support each other. Students in higher semesters in particular are ready to help as members of the International Student Club at THWS. If additional support is required, students can contact Chaban by email, telephone, or in person to discuss their concerns. "The aim of the International Office is to enable students to study and live in a stress-free way. We are committed to this," she says with a smile.
An international student's perspective
Rushil Nagpal from New Delhi, India, also benefited from support by HSIN. For almost three years he has been enrolled at THWS in Schweinfurt and where he is studying the bachelor’s Business and Engineering in English. Already in 11th grade, he was interested in engineering and started learning German to boost his perspectives. Before starting his studies, he completed an international preparatory course to prepare himself for academic life in Germany. "At first, I was in contact with the International Office through an agency, and when I arrived here, everything was new to me, of course, but they helped me with the formalities and finding accommodation. I got to know a lot of people through the events and now feel really at home here," Rushil says. In his free time, he enjoys helping to organise events for international students. He says about HSIN: "Fortunately, I haven't needed the International Office very often, but I know that they will help me quickly if I need them. But the events are really cool, even after three years it's still fun to be involved."
Challenges and successes
Starting one's studies abroad can come with some insecurities. According to Aylin Chaban "one of the biggest challenges for international students is bringing their German language skills up to the required level." This is especially true when they are enrolled in German-taught degree programmes and are simultaneously struggling with finding accommodation and visa issues. "This complicates the start of studies and can lead to students missing lectures," Chaban says.
The International Office team wants to support students in this as best they can. This is done by referring them to counselling centres that can help with things like applying for a visa, finding accommodation, or dealing with mental health issues. Aylin Chaban still remembers one case in particular: "I remember a student from Turkey who wanted to study Mechanical Engineering in German. Despite her German skills on B2-level, she had considerable difficulty following the lectures in her first semester. She wanted to give up, but I advised her to be patient and wait at least two semesters." In the end, Aylin Chaban continues, she successfully completed her studies and found a very good job in Hamburg. "It's not unusual for students to find it hard in the beginning, especially when they are far away from family and friends. But I always say that you shouldn't give up right away and should take your time."
Valuable tips and a look into the future
What Chaban has learnt over the years: It is worthwhile to become socially active alongside your studies, if time permits: "Students who are socially engaged are often more successful in their studies." This engagement helps you to establish contacts with Germans and improves your career opportunities. "Students who are actively involved quickly find jobs after graduation, for example at large companies such as SAP or Mercedes, because they gain valuable experience and find their way around Germany well," Chaban explains.
Rushil wants to complete his bachelor's degree soon and start working in Schweinfurt. "Whether I’ll do a master's degree afterwards or go to another country, we'll see, I'm open to anything."
HSIN is planning to extend the peer-to-peer programmes and create virtual spaces in which international and national students can exchange. Aylin Chaban emphasises that it is crucial in the beginning to make contact to fellow students or your flatmates. "Making friends is essential. I advise all students to take advantage of opportunities such as the orientation programme or welcome events to get to know people and not feel alone." Those who took advantage of these opportunities would find it easier to settle in here.
