engin(e)²

With the help of the engin(e)² project, the International Office of Augsburg University of Applied Sciences will specifically prepare international students for future employment in the region. The social commitment of the students will serve as a driving force for the successful integration of the target group. In order to steer the commitment in an effective direction, a network with local stakeholders will also be created to identify the needs and areas in which the students' voluntary work can be used most effectively.

The project has two main objectives:

1. Identifying strategic partners and building networks

In order to create a basis for the social engagement of international students, it is first necessary to identify the need and opportunities for such activity.

In doing so, the International Office uses existing contacts and, in the course of the project, sets itself the goal of building a larger, sustainable network with social and labor market-relevant institutions in the city of Augsburg, which will continue to exist after the end of the project.

2. Integration of international degree students through social engagement

The integration of international students is to be strengthened through their active involvement in the area of social and community engagement.

Two measures will be established as part of the project to help students get started and provide them with the necessary know-how:

1 Mentoring program for international students

The plan is to employ one student per faculty as a mentor. The aim is to connect international students more closely with the faculties and the university's central institutions, such as the International Office or the Career Service. The mentors take on both a supportive and pioneering role. Thanks to the close cooperation and coordination of the measure by the International Office, it is possible to build a stronger bond with the target group through the mentors. This increases the flow of information, which sensitizes the university to possible needs, enabling rapid action to be taken with regard to the integration of the target group at the university itself.

2. Series of workshops to acquire soft skills

The international students come from different social and cultural backgrounds. The plan is to organize a series of workshops to teach the necessary soft skills and create a uniform basis of competence for everyone. Five workshops are planned on topics such as: the ability to work in a team, the ability to deal with criticism and conflict and self-organization. Contact with various players at city level will create channels for concrete voluntary work. This gives students the opportunity to become socially involved during their studies and to gain professional experience in the region.