Author: Janina Nüs

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17.01.25: Thriving Under Pressure: How to Manage Exam Anxiety | FIT: Well-Being & Social Integration

 

The Workshop “Thriving Under Pressure” tackled one of the biggest challenges of university life: coping with exam stress.

With the guidance of an experienced trainer, students learned practical techniques to manage exam anxiety and stay focused under pressure. Through hands-on exercises and open discussion, they discovered ways to build self-confidence and remain calm even in high-stress situations.

The participants recognized their own struggles in the topics discussed, making it easier to connect with the strategies offered. The session not only helped them feel more prepared for upcoming exams but also provided useful tools for handling other stressful situations in everyday life.

We’re glad students joined and took this important step toward feeling more in control and confident during exam season! 💪📚

 

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06.+07.12.24 Workshop: Mastering Business Etiquette: Succeeding in the German Workplace | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

Are you ready to take your professional skills to the next level? Navigating the business world can be tricky, especially in a new cultural environment. But don’t worry—our free workshop, Mastering Business Etiquette: Succeeding in the German Workplace, is here to help you!

Led by expert Robin van den Berg, this workshop will provide you with essential tools to succeed in the German business world. Over two exciting days, you’ll learn the key aspects of business etiquette, dining and meeting etiquette, as well as intercultural communication—ensuring you make a lasting, positive impression in any professional setting.

Workshop Details:

Day 1: Business Etiquette
📅 Friday, December 6, 2024 – 13:00 to 16:30

  • Introduction to business etiquette and why it matters
  • How to avoid cultural faux pas
  • Professional behavior with colleagues and superiors
  • Understanding body language and nonverbal communication

Day 2: Dining and Meeting Etiquette
📅 Saturday, December 7, 2024 – 9:00 to 12:30

  • Dress codes and personal presentation
  • Cultural norms for business dining
  • Mastering small talk and table manners
  • Preparing for successful meetings (in-person & virtual)

Day 2: Intercultural Sensitivity
📅 Saturday, December 7, 2024 – 13:00 to 16:30

  • Giving and receiving feedback effectively
  • Navigating ethical responsibilities in the workplace
  • Respecting diversity and avoiding cultural misunderstandings
  • Tips for professional communication, networking, and relationship-building

Why Attend?
This interactive workshop includes group exercises, practical reflections, and real-world scenarios to ensure you leave confident and prepared for professional success. Plus, it’s completely free and will be conducted in English, making it accessible to all international students.

EMPLOYABILITY PASS INFORMATION: 

If you successfully complete this workshop, you will receive 3 points in the area of Soft Skills & Employability for your Employability Pass.

Location: Room details will be announced after you successfully registered
How to Register: Please use our BOOKING LINK

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your business skills, boost your confidence, and learn valuable etiquette tips for thriving in the German business environment!

We look forward to meet you there!

 

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23.-27.09.2024 | ISA welcomes all International Students | FIT: Welcome & Orientation

We welcome our new international exchange and degree seeking students from all around the world. We wish you a great start to this semester and all the best for your upcoming studies! 💪😄🎓

On behalf of all IO/ISA staff and Orientation Day organizers, we’d also like to thank you for your enthusiastic participation and for making this a memorable week for everyone involved! ☀️

See more on Instagram.

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New in Siegen? | FIT: Welcome & Orientation

Moving to a new country to study is an exciting and life-changing experience, but it also comes with a series of important administrative tasks.

If you are an international student coming to Siegen here is a step-by-step checklist to guide you through the key procedures you need to complete:

After Arrival Check List

If you have already settled in a little, perhaps these offers are of interest to you?

Stay in Siegen

Finances

You’ve decided to study in Siegen and upon your arrival you have confirmed that you’ll be able to cover your expenses by yourself. Please plan your finances in details from the beginning on, so you won’t face any difficult situations. As a student, you are allowed to get a students’ job, though your salary will probably not be sufficient to cover all your living costs. You can also apply for scholarships, but the chances to benefit from a scholarship are not too high. Further Information
Learning German

Whether you are enrolled in a German or an English study program, you should practice your German regularly. It helps you to feel more confident, gives you an insight into German culture and makes you feel more comfortable, as the language is the key to integration. Tips for learning German
Leisure and Sports

Even if you are supposed to focus on your studies, it is important that you care fore yourself, take a rest, and do some leisure time activities in order to keep your balance and get to know other people and the region. This will help you to improve your language and cultural knowledge and makes you feel more comfortable. The University as well as the region offer a lot of activities.
Preparing for a Professional Career – Career & Networking with SieguVer

Can you imagine staying in Germany after your studies? The region around Siegen (called “Südwestfalen) offers many opportunities for a job after your studies. The FIT-program continues the services offered by Sieguver (Siegen supports and connects you) and has a lot of options to improve your skills or get to know interesting companies in the region and establish contacts. Further Information

Picture: @Universitätsstadt Siegen

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02.10.2024 Kickstart Your Semester! | FIT: Well Being & Social Integration

We wanted to share some exciting feedback from our recent “Kickstart Your Semester” workshop. After the workshop, we asked participants for their thoughts, and the response was overwhelmingly positive! Here’s what attendees found most valuable:

  • Goal Setting: Participants learned how to set realistic and achievable goals for the semester, making it easier to stay focused and motivated. 🎯
  • Time Management: The workshop provided practical strategies for managing time effectively, helping students balance their studies with personal life. ⏳
  • Building Resilience: Attendees gained tools to build resilience, equipping them to handle stress and overcome challenges that may arise during the semester. 💪

Many students expressed that the workshop made them feel more prepared and confident as they began the semester:

“The Kickstart Your Semester workshop was a powerful reminder of the necessity of acting in the now. It helped me confront procrastination, align my goals with purpose and built the resilience needed to face the semester ahead with clarity and intention. 

Aybaniz Mammadrzayeva, Master Economic Policy

 

“Participating in the ‘Kickstart Your Semester’ workshop not only helped me become more productive and proficient in my studies, but also increased my self-awareness and provided insight into my strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, I had the opportunity to meet new people, some of whom have since become friends.”

Baqir Qanoni – Master Roads to Democracy


We’re thrilled to see such positive feedback and hope to make this workshop a regular event each semester. If you’re looking for support to enhance your academic experience, be sure to join us next time!

In the meantime, check out more events from the FIT project here:
FIT Events

You don’t want to miss out!

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21.11.24 Join our special Welcome Event for international students! | FIT: Welcome & Orientation

The University of Siegen, the City of Siegen, and the Region of Siegen-Wittgenstein are excited to invite all international students to a Welcome Event on November 21, 2024, starting at 4 p.m. in the US Mensa at the University of Siegen. This event is free to attend and no registration is needed!

Why Should You Attend?

This is more than just a welcome event—it's your opportunity to get to know your new home and connect with people who can help you settle in and succeed.

  • Meet Siegen’s Mayor, Steffen Mues, and the University’s Rector
    Get a personal welcome from the leadership of your new city and university.
  • Connect with Key Representatives
    Speak directly with the university’s service units, local organizations, and regional representatives to discover how they can support you.
  • Explore the Region
    Learn about Siegen-Wittgenstein and South Westphalia, from leisure activities to professional opportunities.
  • Make New Friends
    This is your chance to meet fellow students, join student initiatives, and start building your social network.
  • Get Ready for the Future
    Hear about resources to help you integrate into the community, prepare for the job market, and make the most of your time here.
  • Free Treats!
    Enjoy a voucher for a hot drink and a cake on us!

Event Details:

Date: November 21, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: US Mensa, University of Siegen
Entry: Free, no registration required!

Hosted By:

This event is proudly organized by the University of Siegen, the City of Siegen, and the Region of Siegen-Wittgenstein, in collaboration with the “Willkommen in Siegen” network.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out:
Email: eva.grottschreiber@uni-siegen.de

Why This Event is Important for You

  • Build Your Network
    The event is your chance to connect with fellow international students and local stakeholders in a friendly, informal setting.
  • Get Key Information
    From university services to regional highlights, this event will provide you with essential information to help you make the most of your time in Siegen.
  • Prepare for the Job Market
    Learn about local opportunities that can help you prepare for your future career in Germany or internationally.

We look forward to welcoming you to Siegen and helping you feel right at home!

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13.+14.12.24 Workshop: Employability for International Students | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

Take part in this great opportunity:
Employability Workshop for International students

What? 2-day training in person training
When?

      • Friday, the 13th of December 2024 (14:00 – latest 19:00) and
      • Saturday, 14th of December 2024 ( 9:00 – latest 16:00)
      • January 2025 follow-up Zoom call (2hrs)

Where? TBA after your successful registration (places are limited!)

Goal: learn and apply skills to increase your job opportunities in Germany
Topics: employability, team skills, self-leadership, intrapreneurship and job training

Facilitator: Manuel Löffler

EMPLOYABILITY PASS INFORMATION: 

If you successfully complete this workshop, you will receive 3 points in the area of Soft Skills & Employability for your Employability Pass.

Please register via our BOOKING LINK

About the training:

This training is a great opportunity to check your job-readiness and improve your skills to get jobs successfully.

Employability encompasses all your abilities, knowledge and skills that make you ‘job-fit’ (hard and soft skills) – and stay job-fit once you have a job. Within these two days you will get to know the concept, work on your biggest challenges and improve your skills around communication, critical thinking, creative problem solving and collaboration.

You will also learn about self-leadership in terms of time management and self-regulation. The training includes short presentations, solo reflection, partner exchanges and group work.

A few weeks after the training you will have the chance to meet again online and check in on your progress and topics, that you identified for yourself.

About the facilitator.

Manuel Löffler is a team development and leadership consultant. He works with individuals and groups to make sure they don’t waste time, resources or people’s potential. Born in Germany, he studied and worked abroad and worked from small businesses, NGOs, universities to big corporates. He has a background in environmental sciences, circular economy, application counseling, human resources and organizational development. With a mix of clarity and kindness he makes every training fun and moves it into the learning zone.

 

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23.10.24 Culture Session: Preparing for International Careers | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

On October 23, 2024, a group of international students participated in our interactive session about German business culture called “Preparing for International Careers: Understanding Cultural Differences.” The session aimed to deepen their understanding of German work culture and develop skills to thrive in workplaces around the world.

To start, participants engaged in an exercise that highlighted how everyone sees the world through a “cultural lens.” This lens is shaped by the values, norms, and experiences of one’s own culture. Recognizing this is essential for building an international career, as it allows people to reflect on interactions from a more objective perspective. This skill of self-reflection was then practiced through hands-on exercises, each set in realistic work scenarios.

Another key takeaway from the workshop was to “observe quickly, but avoid judging right away.” Students learned how elements like Germany’s focus on punctuality and direct communication affect professional interactions, gaining insights on how to handle these differences smoothly. The Iceberg Model of Culture added further depth, showing that visible aspects, such as language or dress, are just the surface, while hidden values and norms drive behavior on a deeper level.

With an energetic atmosphere, the session encouraged active participation and practical exercises, helping students adapt their communication styles and avoid cultural missteps. By the end, the group walked away with useful tools to boost their confidence in navigating cultural differences, both in Germany and beyond.

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Recommendation: Career Service of the University of Siegen

We want to bring your attention to the valuable opportunities offered by the Career Service of the University of Siegen that we highly recommend:

Please have a look at their WORKSHOP OFFERS in Wintersemester 2024.

These events will provide you with essential skills and knowledge for navigating the job market effectively.
The Career Service offers a comprehensive range of resources and support to help students and graduates navigate their career paths successfully.

Wishing you all the best in your job search!

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Recommendation November: MEET´N´MATCH

The Südwestfalen Agentur is connecting you with your potential dream job in South Westphalia! 🥳💜

Find your dream job in just 90 minutes – all from the comfort of your couch! 🛋

Here’s how it works: Take part in Meet’n’Match, your gateway to a job in South Westphalia, easily and for free! 🙌🏼 Meet up to five exciting, world-leading companies in South Westphalia digitally, from the comfort of your home, in just 90 minutes!

➡️ This is how Meet’n’Match works:

Login: Digital company tour 🏭
Meet: Casual networking with your future colleagues 👨🏽‍💻
Match: Speed-dating interview (optional) 💬

🗓 In November, we have five exciting events for you:

👉🏼 MEDICE on November 7
👉🏼 Howmet Aerospace – TITAL on November 12
👉🏼 Viega Career on November 14
👉🏼 HOPPECKE Batteries on November 20
👉🏼 Infineon Technologies AG on November 26

Sign up for Meet’n‘Match now and secure your dream job in South Westphalia! 🥳💜
➡️http://match-suedwestfalen.com/