Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences has been pursuing a consistent course of internationalisation for several years. As a result, the proportion and number of foreign students has risen considerably, which not only affects the teaching but also the administrative operations of the university. This is associated with exciting encounters and broadening of horizons, but also challenges in dealing with foreign languages and cultures.
In order to prepare its own administrative staff in a targeted manner, both linguistically and interculturally, for the progressive course of internationalisation, the university is introducing the qualification programme "International and Intercultural Competence" in the summer semester 2020, coordinated by the International Office. The two-year, coordinated programme comprises language courses, workshops and a stay abroad of more than 150 hours in three modules.