Internalisation Strategy

The faculty pursues a responsible and value-based internationalisation strategy that not only strengthens freedom in teaching, research and science, but also sees it as an essential component of an open and resilient society. In a world increasingly characterised by anti-democratic tendencies and anti-science sentiments, we are committed to strategic internationalisation that promotes dialogue, strengthens academic networks and contributes to solving global challenges. Science diplomacy plays a central role in this by leveraging scientific cooperation to build bridges, create trust and defend shared values.

We understand internationalisation as a dynamic expansion and enrichment that goes beyond the traditional tasks of a university and involves all stakeholders within and outside the university ecosystem. Our goal is to improve research opportunities in an international environment, attract talented students from all over the world, diversify our range of courses and make an active contribution to promoting an open, tolerant and democratic society. A sustainable approach is at the heart of our strategy. We are aware of the challenges that cultural diversity and integration bring with them and offer targeted support to ensure successful implementation. In doing so, we value the development of long-term partnerships that benefit all those involved – students, researchers, staff and external partners. For us, internationalisation is not only an opportunity to integrate new perspectives and practices, but also requires a collective effort. We therefore rely on close cooperation with other faculties and scientific and science-supporting units at the university. Only through interdisciplinary synergies and open dialogue can we ensure the success of our internationalisation strategy while contributing to global science diplomacy. Our strategy is based on five key areas of action:

• Attractive degree programmes: We develop international and innovative degree programmes that open up a wide range of perspectives and opportunities for students.
• Partnerships: We promote long-term and sustainable cooperation with partner institutions worldwide in order to strengthen the exchange of knowledge and skills in research and teaching.
• Visibility & image: Through targeted public relations work, we increase the national and international presence of SoBiF and promote a positive image in the long term.
• Welcoming culture: We create an inclusive atmosphere in which everyone feels welcome and integration is facilitated.
• Social engagement and civic effectiveness (community engagement): We encourage active participation in the university and wider community and promote exchange.

Attractive degree programmes

The ‘Attractive degree programmes’ field of action focuses on developing new study programmes and optimising existing ones to prepare students as well as possible for the German and international labour markets. Until now, international students in particular have sometimes found it difficult to find their feet in the national labour market after completing the standard three-year degree programmes, as the necessary integration and internationalisation components are often not sufficiently taken into account. The burden of the demanding task of integration and internationalisation often leads to longer study times, fewer stays abroad and impairs students' chances of success. The implementation of these new study structures aims to increase the attractiveness of the degree programmes by meeting the additional requirements of integration and internationalisation through specially designed modules without sacrificing the core content of the study programmes.

Partnership

Partnerships are a central component of our internationalisation strategy. By expanding international cooperation, we want to give students, teachers and researchers access to global knowledge exchange so that they can expand their skills in an international context and improve their access to international networks. This not only promotes the quality and quantity of research and teaching, but also increases the visibility of the SoBiF at the international level.

Visibility & image

Given the fierce competition in the international education market, it is crucial to make the international activities and strengths of the SoBi faculty more visible. The ‘Visibility/Image’ field of action in the internationalisation strategy aims to increase the international presence and reputation of the faculty through clear, consistent communication and the visible presentation of international activities. This will be achieved using modern digital tools to publicise international research collaborations and study programmes, position them attractively and attract new partner institutions and students.

Welcoming culture

A strong welcoming culture is crucial for the integration and success of all students. The SoBiF is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, feel welcome, supported and valued. Targeted measures promote an open and inclusive atmosphere and communication culture that strengthens academic success, intercultural exchange and a sense of community. The focus is on participation and co-creation so that all students can develop their full potential and have the same opportunities for a successful degree programme.

Community engagement

The ‘Community Engagement’ field of action aims to actively involve local and regional community institutions in the internationalisation process. Targeted initiatives are designed to bring international issues and intercultural exchange to the region in order to promote awareness of global interdependencies and strengthen interaction between international students and the local population. The measures are designed to highlight positive examples of internationalisation and create new opportunities for the regional community to get involved, with a focus on cooperation with local institutions and the involvement of students in civil society projects.