For over 200 years, the Städelschule in Frankfurt has seen itself as an open place for artistic experimentation, international exchange, and individual development. Its international student body from 40 nations creates diverse perspectives, but also unique challenges. Therefore, the initiative "Art and Life – From the First Step to a Professional Future" was founded. It provides comprehensive and easily accessible support for international students – from their initial contact with the university to their entry into professional life.
Student LifeCycle: Starting your studies
Target group: First-year students
University: Städelschule (University of Fine Arts)
The Städelschule, the Academy of Fine Arts, is closely observing the increasing diversity of its students' educational backgrounds and life experiences. Currently, the enrolled students come from 40 nations. This international composition offers enormous potential for new perspectives – but also presents specific challenges.
To meet these challenges, we have launched the initiative “Art and Life – from the first step to a professional future”: a comprehensive support program that accompanies international students from their first contact to their entry into the workforce – personally, accessibly and holistically.
Art and Life is characterized by the close collaboration of all areas of the university – from art coordination and the International Office to the Human Resources Department, workshops, archives, student services, and the Rectorate. Everyone contributes their expertise to build intercultural bridges and not only enable integration but actively shape it. This interaction also fosters the intercultural competence of staff and strengthens the university as a supportive, learning community.
– Workshop participant
Our support begins even before arrival in Frankfurt: In a pre-orientation event via Zoom, we provide initial information on visa matters, study organization and life in Germany – barrier-free, location-independent and climate-friendly.
The multi-day orientation week on campus provides practical, in-depth exploration of these topics. Through visits to all university departments, conversations with staff, and campus tours, we foster a sense of familiarity and reduce any initial anxieties. Administrative processes, such as registering with the immigration office or obtaining health insurance, are explained and supported. At the same time, shared activities like city explorations or cooking evenings encourage getting to know one another and building a social network.
A meeting about a month later – our post-orientation session – offers space for reflection and exchange: Over "Hessian tapas" and in a relaxed atmosphere, new and experienced students talk about their experiences so far and any remaining questions. This format strengthens a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Christin Gross-Narten
christin.gross-narten@staedelschule.de
Tel.: +49 69 – 605008-35
Maxime Musterfrau
