"Welcome to Ilmenau, your new home away from home!" With these words, Dr. Daniel Schultheiß welcomed the new arrivals to Ilmenau. In total, more than 350 young people from around 100 nations outside Germany began their studies at TU Ilmenau in the winter semester 2024/25. "We are proud that you have become a part of this city, that you will enrich our everyday life with your perspective, your knowledge and your history," said Maria Franczyk, Integration Officer of the City of Ilmenau:
May this time not only shape your academic journey, but also become a time of personal growth and genuine togetherness.
"The university and the city thrive on your involvement and commitment," added University President Prof. Kai-Uwe Sattler in his welcoming speech.
It is precisely this exchange, which promotes mutual understanding - for example in one of the university’s numerous associations and clubs - that is more important than ever in today’s world, which is characterized by conflict and political change.
"The best example of lifelong learning"
One woman who, like many other international students, is already committed to helping her fellow students in a variety of ways is Lis Azizah: "Lis is also the best example of lifelong learning," said Sophia Siegried, Head of the International Office at TU Ilmenau, who presented the Master’s student in Media and Communication Science with the DAAD Prize for outstanding academic achievements and remarkable social and intercultural commitment of the year 2024, endowed with 1000 euros, at the beginning of the reception. After training as a secretary, a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science at the London School of Public Relations and several years of professional experience as a Lead Associate - Administration at Tata Power in Jakarta, she decided to apply for a Master’s degree at TU Ilmenau at the age of 44: "As a person who has spent her entire life in one place, I chose Ilmenau as I believe that the city suits as a point of entry to my international journey."From the beginning of her studies in October 2023, Lis Azizah was not only committed to her own academic progress, but also to her fellow students and the people on campus and in the city as part of the "Close the Gap" project. Since the summer semester 2024, she has also acted as a we4you buddy and we4you tutor for new international students, organizing excursions and helping them find their way around the campus and the city of Ilmenau. Also, she is currently coordinating the Indonesian Student Association for the city of Ilmenau, which connects Indonesian students throughout Thuringia.Sophia Siegried noted Lis’ remarkable commitment:
Lis has taken an exceptional path in her life. She has chosen all’her steps in life wisely, probably after weighing up the pros and cons. She has never lost sight of her goals. In addition to her academic achievements, Lis has proven that her heart and openness towards all people, wherever they come from, is incredible. For all these reasons, it is an honor for me to award Lis Azizah the DAAD Prize for outstanding academic achievements and remarkable social and intercultural commitment of the year 2024.
Unlike the DAAD prizewinner, Umar Khalid had already traveled to many other places around the world before he came to Ilmenau from his home country of Pakistan two years ago. "Even when I applied for a Master’s degree, I had many different options," says the student, who ultimately chose TU Ilmenau for a Media and Communication Science degree:
When I arrived in Ilmenau by train and got off the train, I immediately realized that the city is a special place. Ilmenau has a charm all’of its own.
He met people from all regions of the world here. "These experiences broadened my own cultural understanding and allowed me to inspire others to pursue similar opportunities"
This is why Umar Khalid is not only involved as a member of the ISWI student association and as a we4you tutor. He was also co-organizer of the Chinese New Year Festival, the Persian and Indian Nights and host of the "Sugar Festival" at TU Ilmenau with almost 400 participants, which brought people from Ilmenau together with the international student body.
But it is not only at the university that Umar Khalid is active with his great reliability and commitment. He has also volunteered with the "Study In Germany,ÖLand of Ideas" campaign by DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. He creates content and writes blogs to help international students understand the process of studying in Germany.
"Furthermore, Umar Khalid is passionate about promoting the city of Ilmenau itself " said Lord Mayor Dr. Daniel Schultheiß in his laudatory speech. Among other things, he runs an Instagram account ( @Ilmenau.City ) on which he shares photos and videos that show Ilmenau’s special charm and cultural diversity:
Mr. Umar Khalid, you have our deepest respect. We warmly congratulate you on the well-deserved award for ,Intercultural Engagement 2023’.
The student expressed his deep gratitude for the prize, which is endowed with 500 euros and is awarded by the city of Ilmenau and the International Office of TU Ilmenau, with moving words:
Ilmenau has become part of my heart and my second home.
A student dance performance by Wenyue Wang, Haitong Sun, Yanan Wang entitled ’Free and unfettered’ and music by Gustav Anthon on the piano and Noel Toms, singer, songwriter and Master’s student at TU Ilmenau, whose film compositions have already been heard by an audience of millions in South Indian cinemas, also demonstrated the diverse cultural commitment of international students at the university following the reception.
