Students think: The international study programmes at BTU are excellent

The BTU achieved consistently high satisfaction ratings for its study-related stays abroad. This includes the supervision and support services provided by the International Relations Office, the lecturers and the Examinations Office. The variety of exchange programmes and places is particularly well received by students. For example, the BTU received above-average approval when asked about the "support of the university as a whole".  

The survey was aimed at all enrolled students: from Germany with experience of studying abroad, non-mobile students from Germany and international students. Mareike Kunze, Head of the International Relations Office, emphasises: "The very high response rate was particularly pleasing. With about 30 percent, one of the highest values of all participating universities, it shows a very good acceptance and great interest in international offers in the study programme. I am very pleased about that and it is also an indicator of our work."

For the international students, the counselling and support services during their studies are particularly important. They are rated very highly at the BTU. This includes help and support with general difficulties, study organisation or language problems as well as support in the field of study and individual career advice. Thus, the BTU achieves excellent results with 4.22 points for satisfaction with the university, 4.15 with their studies and 4.27 with their stay in Germany (scale from 1 not satisfied to 5 very satisfied). The scores in these three categories exceed the average scores of all other participating higher education institutions.  

Across higher education institutions, the survey shows throughout Germany that international components such as English-language study programmes with an international orientation, events for intercultural exchange and a high proportion of international students and teachers are becoming increasingly important for all students. In addition, English-speaking staff in the administration, English-language websites and especially, a diverse range of languages are very much appreciated.

Mareike Kunze is proud of the positive feedback from the students and summarises: "The results of the study clearly underline that the international orientation of our university is on a very good path. This makes it all the more important to maintain our existing offers and to profile them according to demand. This includes both students who want to spend time abroad during their studies and foreign students at BTU."

As one of 74 German universities, the BTU took part in a nationwide student survey entitled "How international are your studies?" in December 2020 and January 2021. The aim of the study, which was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), was to conduct a comparative analysis of the internationality of studies at the institutions. The aim was to find out where support services for German and international students make sense and how they can be improved. The German Academic Exchange Service DAAD was in charge of the implementation and was supported by the participating universities.

Futher Information: https://www.daad.de/bintho