Thinking about going abroad? Sounds like a dream, right? Exciting, but maybe also a little out of reach. From November 17 to 21, UDE’s International Office wants to change that. During the International Week 2025, students will get the full rundown on how to make their dreams of going abroad come true.
“The idea behind the International Week is actually quite simple”, explains Liliane Gutte, coordinator at the International Office. “We want to make students excited for their time abroad and show them how many possibilities there are, and that a stay abroad is more achievable than many think.”
Throughout the week, the International Office offers a mix of online lectures, workshops and two major fairs on both campuses. Each day covers different aspects of international mobility: exchange programs like Erasmus+, scholarships, short-term stays, internships abroad, and support options for students with disabilities or students with children.
Gutte emphasizes the practical value: “In the end the week is all about lowering barriers and encouraging students to take that step abroad.”
Meet the Experts: Info Fairs in Essen & Duisburg
A highlight of the week are the two “Wege ins Ausland” (Ways to go abroad) Info Fairs, on November 18 in Essen and November 20 in Duisburg. There, students can meet with representatives of their faculty, advisors from the International Office, and organizations like the AStA, which offers guidance on Auslands-BAföG and other financial support options. “It’s the perfect opportunity to ask personal questions and talk face-to-face”, says Gutte. “That kind of direct contact is something you can’t get from a Zoom session.”
Workshops and Deep Dives
For those still exploring their options, the “Step-by-Step to Your Stay Abroad” (Schritt für Schritt zu deinem Auslandsaufenthalt) session is a must. It is offered several times during that week, both online and in person. “It’s like a crash course”, explains Gutte, “You’ll learn which different project exists, how to organize your stay and how to finance your stay.”
There is even an English-language talk “Explore Short-Term Mobility at UDE” for those interested in summer schools or shorter study trips. These sessions specifically focuses on short-format options (e.g., summer schools, blended/virtual mobility).
International Without Leaving Campus
But what if you can’t or don’t want to go abroad just yet? Gutte points out that the international experience can start right at home: “We have programs like the Buddy Program, where local students support international students.” There is also Café Lingua, an international language café, where you can build international connections, strengthen your language skills and maybe gain some courage to one day start your own adventure abroad, and the Internationalisation@Home program, which even offers a corresponding certificate.
More information: https://www.uni-due.de/international/iah_studierende
“Don’t Hesitate – Come Talk to Us”
For undecided students, Gutte’s advice is simple: ”Don’t hesitate – talk to us. We are here to help – no matter your individual situation.” The International Office offers personal consultations, and students with disabilities, chronic illness or family responsibilities can also receive tailored advice when needed.
Gutte also points to the “Auslandslotsinnen”. These are experienced students who have already spent time abroad and now share their insights with others. They run a blog, podcast and Instagram channel, offering an honest perspective on studying and living abroad.
Auslandslots*innen website: https://www.uni-due.de/international/auslandslotsen
International Office consultation hours: https://www.uni-due.de/international/sprechstunden.php
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ude.auslandslotsen
Above all, Gutte hopes that after the International Week, students will leave feeling empowered. “I want them to think: this isn’t just for others – I can do this too. If more students gain the courage to go abroad, then the week has been a success.”
You can find the full program and further information about the International Week here: https://www.uni-due.de/international/veranstaltungen_internationale_woche
