Tailored offers for international researchers
To make the start even easier: Representatives of the University Management and the International Office of Chemnitz University of Technology discussed with international researchers about support services after arrival
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In the future, Chemnitz University of Technology would like to show international researchers even more effectively the way for their first steps in Chemnitz and at the TU. Photo: International Office
Chemnitz University of Technology invited international PhD students and PostDocs to a hybrid workshop in the “Altes Heizhaus” (Old Heating House) on the university campus Straße der Nationen 62 at the beginning of November 2021. International PhD students and PostDocs had the opportunity to share their experiences about living, teaching, and research in Chemnitz. Prof. Dr. Maximilian Eibl, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, Michael Schmischke, Representative for Young Scientists at Chemnitz University of Technology, Dr. Benny Liebold, Head of the International Office, as well as the PhD Assistance Team of the International Office were representatives of Chemnitz University of Technology during the event and discussed with international researchers about possibilities to enhance the support services at the university.
In small groups, positive and negative experiences as well as wishes and other aspects were first collected and then discussed in plenary. The results of the discussions showed that especially the cooperation with professors and academic staff is much appreciated. The student dormitories of the Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau were also positively highlighted.
The participants found the language barrier inside and outside the university context particularly challenging. Information in English for international PhD students and PostDocs were mentioned as suggestions for improvement. In this way, international researchers at the university and in Chemnitz could be supported, especially during the challenging arrival phase.
The results from this event will now help to refine services for international researchers in Chemnitz according to their needs. For example, the PhD Assistance team is working on a booklet with step-by-step instructions to facilitate the arrival and stay of international PhD students and PostDocs in Chemnitz.
Background: PhD-Assistance of the IUZ
The PhD-Assistance team supports international PhD students and offers advice regarding non-academic issues. This program is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the German Federal Foreign Office. The PhD-Assistance team regularly organizes workshops, events, excursions and since 2020 also online "Get Togethers" for virtual networking.
Contact: Email to the PhD Assistance Team: phd-assistance@tu-chemnitz.de.
(Author: Henrike Warttmann / Translation: Sai Teja Paila)
Matthias Fejes
10.11.2021
