Reception for KU’s international students

This year's 67 program students come from 24 countries, with Italy, France and the United States traditionally being the most represented. In addition, there are many international students enrolled in the KU's English-language degree programs such as the Bachelor's degree in "Data Science", the Master's programs in "Business and Psychology" and "International Relations", or the Master's degree in "Business Administration". Approximately every tenth KU student has foreign citizenship.

In the Eichstätt Residence on Tuesday evening, Deputy District Administrator Bernhard Sammiller first welcomed the international students. They had made a good choice with Eichstätt, he emphasized, referring in particular to the "beautiful nature and landscape of Germany's most beautiful district" and to the cultural life in the region. Looking around in the Residence's festive hall, the Spiegelsaal, where wedding ceremonies regularly take place, Eichstätt Mayor Josef Grienberger said with a twinkle in his eye: "Should you find the woman or man for life during your studies in Eichstätt, I will be happy to marry you right here." However, Grienberger also struck a serious note in light of the current political world situation and urged students to value the freedom to travel and study in a foreign country. The international exchange of students and the joint learning experience and campus life consisting of different nations and cultures is also an important contribution to international understanding, he said. Representing the KU, the head of the International Office, Dr. Anna Marcos, welcomed the international students. After a group photo, the district of Eichstätt treated its new guests to a Bavarian snack.

Many of the international students have already been in Eichstätt or Ingolstadt for just over two weeks and have taken part in an intensive German course. To help students feel at home quickly, the KU also offers the "Adopt a Student" program, in which KU students volunteer to assist a fellow student from abroad – for example, with the transfer of rooms or with initial orientation on campus. The International Working Group ‘AK International ‘ is also committed to providing a program of field trips and social activities for students at both KU campuses. In addition, the KU's International Office hosts intercultural awareness workshops.