Exchange Worldwide - with Synergy & Strategy
Against the backdrop of advancing globalisation, internationalisation is one of the most important tasks for the future of the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences. The Centre for International Affairs (ZI) has the task of bundling and coordinating the international activities and internationalisation of all organisational units at HSWT.
The International Office, Funding and Career Service, Language Centre, HSWT International School and the project team realise international projects, educational opportunities and cooperations under the motto "The University of Applied Sciences becomes more international". To this end, the Centre for International Affairs works closely with the Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer (ZFW), the Centre for Studies and Didactics (ZSD) and the Centre for Continuing Education (ZW).
Strategy for the Internationalisation of Universities of Applied Sciences
Since 2019, HSWT has been pursuing the comprehensive internationalisation strategy "HSWT goes international", to which the ZI (Center for International Affairs) is committed. This sets out these four core goals:
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Strengthening international competences of students (e.g. through English-language learning events, promoting language & intercultural competences, establishing new university cooperations).
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Promoting a welcoming culture (as a natural part of an internationally connected HSWT, e.g. through English-taught study programmes, use of guest lecturer programmes, summer schools, German language courses & intercultural competence courses)
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Increasing the international mobility of university staff (e.g. by promoting stays abroad by lecturers & staff, participation in international network meetings)
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Expansion of international structures (e.g. by founding the Centre for International Affairs & the HSWT International School, involvement in international initiatives & networks)
Tasks of the ZI within & outside the HSWT
Under the umbrella of the Centre for International Affairs, the three organisational units IFC, Language Centre and HSWT International School are responsible for achieving the above-mentioned strategic goals.
These are the tasks of the ZI (Center for International Affairs):
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Initiating & coordinating international activities & projects
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Advising & supporting the departments in the context of internationalisation
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Collecting suggestions, ideas & needs from the departments
In the context of internationalisation measures, the ZI focuses on bundling resources and cooperation. The synergy effects achieved from these cooperations underline that internationalisation at the HSWT takes place across locations, subjects, status groups and organisational units.
