How can internationalization at universities be made more inclusive, sustainable, and effective in the future? This question was the focus of the QuIS conference (Quality and Innovation in Studies and Teaching in Hesse) on "Internationalization in Studies and Teaching" at the Gießen Congress Hall. Around 100 representatives from 14 Hessian universities came together to exchange ideas.
International networking is an essential component of modern higher education. Exchange programs, international degree programs, and virtual collaborations foster intercultural competence and broaden professional perspectives. At the same time, forms of mobility are changing due to digital offerings and global crises. The internationalization of universities is also a central pillar of the Hessian Higher Education Pact (2026-2031).
At the opening of the conference, Prof. Dr. Stephanie Hanrath, Vice President for Studies and Teaching at the Technical University of Central Hesse (THM), welcomed the participants on behalf of THM and the QuIS service center. "The large turnout, with over 100 people registered, shows not only that the topic is important, but also that the exchange within the QuIS network is very important to us."
In his welcoming address, Professor Dr. Alexander Goesmann, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), emphasized the growing importance of internationalization. He stated that it is not an "add-on" but rather a core aspect of university studies and teaching. Given global mobility, digital networking, and the increasing demand for professionals with intercultural skills, universities are called upon to "review and proactively develop their formats, content, and methods."
The program combined strategic perspectives and practical examples from the 14 universities and offered space for perspectives from university management, students, teaching, departments and administration, especially from the areas of studies and teaching as well as the International Offices.
In her keynote address, Professor Emerita Elspeth Jones (Leeds Beckett University, UK), who joined virtually, looked at the internationalization of higher education up to 2036. Urs Bremer from the HSI Monitor (Higher Education Internationality) then presented current data.
After creating an interactive "Action Wall," the afternoon program focused on practical insights into various phases of the student life cycle. These ranged from preparatory programs (Julia-Sophie Rothmann, Fulda University of Applied Sciences) and a cross-university teaching project on developing intercultural competence (Prof. Dr. Benjamin Löhr, THM University of Applied Sciences) to securing skilled professionals (Jens Bland, International Career Service Rhein-Main, and Dr. Christa Larsen, IWAK Goethe University). In workshops, participants discussed success factors, challenges, and innovative approaches to internationalization.
"The QuIS conference demonstrates the innovative concepts with which Hessian universities are advancing internationalization in studies and teaching. International experiences and perspectives enrich studies and teaching and are also of great importance for the future viability of our state. Our universities make an important contribution to attracting talent from all over the world and inspiring international professionals to come to Hesse," emphasizes Hessian Minister of Science Timon Gremmels.
QuIS is a joint network of 14 Hessian universities and universities of applied sciences, including all universities. Its aim is to actively develop studies and teaching and to create future-proof solutions for the demands of a changing educational landscape. Together with the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK), QuIS generates momentum for modern study conditions and high-quality university teaching.
Further information about the program can be found here.
Look forward to a diverse program and take advantage of the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from all Hessian universities.
| time | Contents | actors |
|---|---|---|
| 9.30 – 10.00 | Arrival – Welcome reception | All |
| 10.00 – 10.15 | Welcome; Overview of the day | VP Prof. Dr. Stephanie Hanrath, THM VP Prof. Dr. Alexander Goesmann, JLU Moderation: Dr. Claudia Schmeink |
| 10.15 – 11.10 | Keynote Internationalization of Higher Education: A roadmap for policy, strategy and practice to 2035 |
Prof. em. Elspeth Jones, Leeds Beckett University, UK |
| 11.10 – 11.30 | Presentation on the Internationalization of Studies and Teaching – A Look at the Data |
Urs Bremer, Joint Office of the HSI Monitor |
| 11.30 – 12.00 | Action Wall: Shaping internationalization together | All |
| 12.00 – 13.00 | Lunch break + networking | All |
| 13.00 – 13.15 | Impulse 1 Pre-study programs: Pre-Study and Pre-College+ Fulda |
Julia-Sophie Rothmann, HS Fulda |
| 13.15.- 13.30 | Impulse 2 International Business Simulation (Blended): A cross-university teaching project for the development of intercultural competence |
Prof. Dr. Benjamin Löhr, THM |
| 13.30 – 13.45 | Impulse 3 From academic success to securing skilled workers: The International Career Service Rhein-Main as a regional transition model |
Jens Blank, International Career Service Rhein-Main, Goethe University; Dr. Christa Larsen, IWAK, Goethe University |
| 13.45 – 14.00 | Coffee break + transition to workshops | All |
| 14.00 – 15.30 | Meeting of the Commission for Student Success | HMWK + VP's |
| 14.00 – 15.30 | Workshop 1: Success Factors for Pre-University Programs: Implementation, Opportunities and Challenges |
Julia-Sophie Rothmann, HS Fulda |
| 14.00 – 15.30 | Workshop 2: Intercultural and interdisciplinary approach in the blended learning project International Business Simulation |
Prof. Dr. Benjamin Löhr, THM |
| 14.00 – 15.30 | Workshop 3 International Students in Transition: How Universities, Businesses and the Region Can Build Sustainable Support Structures |
Jens Blank, International Career Service Rhein-Main, Goethe University; Dr. Christa Larsen, IWAK, Goethe University |
| 15.30 – 16.00 | Get-together , exchange, highlights, farewell |
VP Prof. Dr. Stephanie Hanrath, THM VP Prof. Dr. Alexander Goesmann, JLU Moderation: Dr. Claudia Schmeink |
| 16.00 | End of the QuIS conference | All |
Participation is free.
The number of participants is limited; registrations will be allocated chronologically up to the maximum capacity.
Do you have any questions or need further information? Please feel free to contact us!
We look forward to an exciting event and your participation!
The QuIS conference will take place in the congress hall in Giessen. Directions
Contact:
Christina Neumann, QuIS Service Center;
Astrid-Solveig Loubal, QuIS-Flex_Meta
