Exchange with Parliamentarians

Students and young researchers from around 120 nations study at KIT. In order to get a picture on how foreign students and guests are being welcomed and integrated, a group of Parliamentarians from the state of Baden-Württemberg visited KIT International Affairs on November 07.

During an informal roundtable at the Café Globe, politicians, foreign students, PhD students and colleagues of KIT International Affairs exchanged their views and expectations on integrative measures and necessary support. It was agreed that a holistic approach as practiced at KIT is favorable and covers not only consulting and supporting various aspects of living and studying in Germany, but also includes accompanying language and intercultural training courses, mixed learning groups as well as support in the search for suitable accommodation. Especially in this latter field but also in the case of general welcome services, closer collaboration with the City of Karlsruhe and other players in the region is envisaged.

Another key factor for a successful study at KIT and integration is a good command of the German language. This was demonstrated nicely during the subsequent visit of the Department of German as a Foreign Language. Very open and dedicated, with obvious pride in their German language skills already achieved, students from all continents reported on their motivation to study at KIT, their difficulties of finding adequate housing as well as other experiences made when coming to Karlsruhe.

 

Candidate for Mayor of Karlsruhe, Ingo Wellenreuther, and the members of the Integration Committee led by Mrs. Katrin Schütze were listening intently to the students and are now expected to incorporate the outcomes and conclusions of this visit into their parliamentary work and to set the right political signals for further integrative measures.