Aalen University, as a full partner of the Qn alliance, continues to achieve significant milestones, such as the launch of a First Priority Project called “International Degree Seekings” in early 2024. This initiative is dedicated to increasing the university’s total student population by developing select study programs into fully English-taught international programs. Additionally, the project focuses on intensifying the recruitment of international students from abroad, aiming to enhance the university’s global presence and foster a more diverse academic community. Through these efforts, Aalen University is further strengthening its internationalisation strategy through key actions such as:
- Increase in English-taught Master’s programs from 3 to 7 between early 2024 and Fall 2024.
- Planned addition of an 8th Master’s program and two fully English-taught Bachelor’s programs by Fall 2025.
- Intensive marketing efforts abroad leading to a substantial rise in international applications (642 in Fall 2023 to 1,632 in Spring 2024).
- Ongoing review and restructuring of university systems to accommodate rapid growth.
- Structural developments struggling to keep pace with program expansion.
- Increased workload across all departments, including administration, faculty and the International Center, without additional staff resources.
Despite these challenges, the university remains committed to strengthening its internationalisation strategy, ensuring long-term success in attracting and supporting global talent.
From the Palazzo Ducale to the WIN Building: Rita Bergami’s experience in the University of Aalen
The University of Urbino and Aalen University share a strong partnership within the framework of the Qⁿ alliance, promoting internationalisation and interconnection. The two universities offer exchange opportunities through the Erasmus programme, enabling students to experience different academic and cultural environments. Rita Bergami, an Italian marketing student from the University of Urbino, exemplifies the benefits of such collaborations. Upon arriving in Aalen, she appreciated the personalised support and small class sizes that allowed for deeper engagement with professors, a contrast to her larger university in Urbino. This personalised attention, along with Aalen’s modern facilities and close-knit campus, enhances the student experience for international learners.
The partnership focuses on academic exchange and also promotes social integration through the International Centre, which organises events and provides a Buddy Programme for newcomers. These initiatives ensure students like Rita feel welcomed and connected to the local community. Aalen’s compact campus and vibrant cultural offerings, such as the Christmas Market, further enrich the international student experience. Through these collaborative efforts, both universities promote global connections, offering students from different backgrounds valuable opportunities to grow personally and academically, while building a network of international relationships within the Qⁿ alliance.
qn-alliance.eu 