Practices 1.3 – Supporting International Students
International cooperation
Sebastian Parte, Social counsellor at STW Hamburg
“International Christmas Guest” – Intercultural exchange and social participation for international students
This presentation introduces the „International Christmas Guest“ project, a social integration initiative run by the Hamburg Student Union. The project pairs international students with local hosts to spend time together during the Christmas period, addressing isolation when halls of residence are largely empty and campus life pauses. Drawing on conceptual frameworks, organisational structures (particularly recruitment and matching processes), and practical case studies, the presentation illustrates how low-threshold social formats foster intercultural exchange and create lasting personal connections for both participants. The presentation identifies critical success factors and potential challenges to address from the outset, and provides a practical chronological checklist outlining project scope and key milestones.
Olha Vakhrina, Specialist at Poznan University of Technology
From arrival to belonging: PUT good practices
Supporting international students’ mental well-being starts from their very first contact with the university. In presentation, we show how Poznan University of Technology helps students feel safe, informed, and included from arrival to full participation in campus life. We present practical activities such as Orientation Day, Campus Game, and Intercultural Café, which help students understand the university, discover the campus, and learn about Polish culture while sharing their own traditions. Buddy Programme connects new students with experienced peers who support them in everyday matters and adaptation to life in Poland. Digital support is provided through the Onboarding Application, which offers easy access to key information, events, and academic tools. Welcome Point serves as a central place for advice on legal issues, health care, safety, and well-being, with additional expert support offered in cooperation with Migrant InfoPoint. At the heart of this network of support initiatives is the Intercultural Café – a flagship activity running successfully for nearly ten years. It creates a welcoming space for intercultural dialogue and social interaction. Together, these initiatives offer continuous support from arrival to full intercultural engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and supporting students’ well-being through information, connection, and peer support.
Dr Melanie Hall, Lecturer and Researcher at UCLL University of Applied Sciences
Student support services for refugees and newcomers in Flemish higher education
This study reports findings from the From Camp to Campus project, which examines the availability and accessibility of student support services for Refugee and Newcomer (R&N) students in Flemish higher education institutions (HEIs). Although the number of highly educated refugees is increasing, their experiences in Flanders remain under-researched, despite significant integration challenges and risks of ‘brain waste’. Refugees face financial, social, administrative, and psychological barriers that hinder their access to and success in higher education, emphasizing the need for comprehensive student support. Using a mixed-methods design, including an online mapping of 18 HEIs’ English-language websites, a survey, and a photovoice project, the study examines support categories such as academic counseling, financial aid, psychosocial services, housing, and community engagement. Findings show that while most HEIs offer diverse services, few are tailored to the needs of R&N or non-EEA students. Information is often fragmented, hard to navigate, and sometimes only available in Dutch. Survey results indicate persistent struggles with unclear procedures, language barriers, and insufficient information. Photovoice insights highlight the crucial role of individual staff members who go the extra mile. The study concludes that HEIs must improve clarity, visibility, and English accessibility of support, including dedicated pages for R&N students.