The ballroom of Wiesbaden’s town hall was packed when the mayor of Hesse’s capital officially welcomed new international students yesterday evening. Around 800 students from over 50 countries are enrolled at Hochschule RheinMain (HSRM) in the winter semester alone; they come from Chile, Cameroon, Morocco, South Korea and many other countries.

“Wiesbaden is a city of diversity,” says Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende. “I am grateful that you are enriching our lives, the universities and Wiesbaden.” HSRM President Professor Waller thanked the international students for “choosing our community to live in and learn in, but also to teach in. You bring your perspectives and share a bit of your world. I am delighted that you are all here,” said President Waller. Professor Munscheck, Vice Dean of Hochschule Fresenius, emphasized the skills that can be acquired abroad. Learning languages and the relevance of interculturality are particularly important to him: “Get to know as many people and countries as possible.”

Towards the end of the reception, Sooma Kargar, a former participant of the Start@HSRM program that prepares refugees for university, spoke about her experiences. “I can only recommend making the most of your time in Wiesbaden and enjoying it,” says the student, who is now enrolled in Mobility Management at the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering.