Autor: Kim-Kristin Hain

On November 17th, 2025, international students of the university of Siegen had the chance to visit Heinrich Georg GmbH Maschinenfabrik, a globally recognized company specializing in special-purpose machinery and plant engineering, located in Kreuztal. Despite the rainy weather, the bus ride provided a great opportunity for students to network and discuss expectations for the visit.

The afternoon began with a warm welcome by the public relations staff, who introduced the company and its values. The group was then treated to a presentation about the history and evolution of Heinrich Georg, from its founding in the 1940s to its current position as a leader in digitalization within industrial engineering.

Highlights of the visit included:

• A detailed company presentation on Heinrich Georg’s 70+ years of innovation in machinery and plant engineering

• A guided tour of the state-of-the-art production facilities, showcasing how the company integrates traditional engineering with modern digital solutions

• A chance to connect with multinational employees, including one who shared his personal experiences working at Heinrich Georg, speaking to students in Hindi and offering valuable insights into the company’s diverse, international team

• Refreshments, including food, coffee, and tea, providing an opportunity for informal networking and further discussions with company staff and fellow students

• A Q&A session, allowing students to ask questions about the company’s operations, culture, and career opportunities in the high-tech machinery industry

The visit provided students with valuable insights into the innovative world of industrial engineering and career opportunities at a leading global company.

Bonus: This event counted for 1 point in the Career & Networking category of the Employability Pass!

A big thank you to Heinrich Georg GmbH for their warm hospitality and to all the students who made this visit such a successful and enriching experience!

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On November 6, 2025, international students who arrived late or were unable to attend the Orientation Days joined our Intercultural Awareness Session as part of the FIT: Welcome & Orientation program.

The session was designed to support students in navigating their new cultural environment and to help them better understand the challenges and opportunities of intercultural experiences. Through interactive input, discussions, and shared reflections, participants explored how cultural differences influence everyday situations and communication.

Highlights of the session:

✅ Understanding cultural adaptation processes and typical challenges in a new environment

✅ Learning strategies to deal with cultural misunderstandings effectively

✅ Reflecting on personal experiences and cultural perspectives

✅ Connecting and exchanging with fellow international students

The session provided a supportive space for participants to share their experiences, gain new perspectives, and build confidence in dealing with intercultural situations. Students left with practical tools to better navigate daily life and feel more at home in their new surroundings.

Outlook

Further workshops and support offers for international students will continue throughout the semester. Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to strengthen your intercultural and professional skills.

On November 7th, students came together for the IHK(Chamber of Commerce and Industry) Company Meet and Greet event to connect with local employers and explore exciting career opportunities in the Siegen region. This networking session, organized in collaboration with IHK Siegen, provided an excellent platform for international students to get a firsthand look at the local job market and meet representatives from various companies.

Event Highlights:

• Networking opportunities: Students had the chance to speak directly with company representatives in a relaxed, informal setting.

• Insight into company cultures: Employers shared valuable information on the work environment, the skills and qualifications they look for in international candidates, and the hiring process in Germany.

• Practical advice on job applications: Students received tips on how to tailor their CVs for the German job market, approach interviews, and highlight relevant soft skills.

• Q&A session: Students could ask questions and receive personalized guidance on making a strong impression during job applications.

As the event wrapped up, students left feeling more confident about their job prospects and better equipped to navigate the German job market.

Overall, the IHK Company Meet and Greet offered an invaluable opportunity for students to build their professional networks and gain insights into what local employers expect from international talent. The event not only helped students make new connections but also gave them a clearer understanding of how to succeed in their career pursuits in Germany.

This event counted for 1 point in the category Career & Networking of the Employability Pass!

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Image by fauxels.

On November 28, 2025, international students joined the interactive session “Culture & Cake – A Sweet Dive into Germany” to explore key aspects of German culture in a relaxed and engaging setting.

The session combined practical insights into cultural norms with open discussion and exchange. Participants explored everyday behaviors, communication styles, and social expectations in Germany—while also experiencing one of the country’s most beloved traditions: enjoying coffee and cake together.

Highlights of the session:

✅ Exploring key aspects of German communication styles and social norms

✅ Understanding the role of rules, structure, and efficiency in daily life

✅ Learning how to avoid common intercultural misunderstandings

✅ Experiencing the German tradition of coffee and cake in a social setting

✅ Sharing personal experiences and connecting with other international students

The session provided a welcoming space for participants to ask questions, reflect on their experiences, and gain practical insights into navigating everyday life in Germany. Through both discussion and informal exchange, students were able to deepen their cultural understanding and feel more confident in their new environment.

Outlook

Further intercultural sessions and opportunities for exchange will continue to be offered. Stay tuned for upcoming events to further explore life and culture in Germany.

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