TU Braunschweig hosts TU9-ING-Woche 2024 Students from German Schools Abroad explore STEM studies

At the end of August, 20 students from German Schools Abroad of 15 different countries visited the Technische Universität Braunschweig as part of the TU9-ING-Woche to learn about study opportunities and research projects in engineering and natural sciences. The TU9-ING-Woche, an exploratory study week, is organised by the Alliance of Leading Technical Universities in Germany and takes place every year at one of the TU9 universities. Students from all over the world who would like to gain an impression of studying a STEM subject at a TU9 University in Germany can apply. Participation requires, among other things, a strong academic performance in STEM subjects.

For the fourteenth TU9-ING-Woche, themed “Your MINT Xperience – Shaping the Future Together,” the International House of TU Braunschweig curated a diverse programme, providing participants with numerous opportunities to explore study options in engineering and natural sciences, as well as to experience the vibrant campus life.

On the final evening of the TU9-ING Woche, TU President Angela Ittel (centre) talked to the participants about their experiences. Photo: Daniel Götjen/TU Braunschweig

Insights into research and student projects at TU Braunschweig

Visits to institutes across various fields, including automotive engineering, robotics, hydraulic engineering, biology, and sustainable urban development, provided students with captivating insights into the diverse nature of research and study in STEM disciplines. Participants also learned about several student projects at TU Braunschweig: At Akaflieg Braunschweig, they gained insight into the development and construction of an airplane prototype, while the Lions Racing Team showcased their self-built racing cars with which the students compete in international competitions. A campus tour and various excursions rounded out the packed programme, offering valuable opportunities for networking among participants, as well as with alumni of German Schools Abroad and international students. For example, the participants took part in a city rally and explored this year’s Braunschweig Light Parcours during a boat trip. The week concluded with a visit to the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg.

The TU9-ING Woche at TU Braunschweig started off with a warm welcome for the 20 participants in the International House. Photo: Simone Fürst/TU Braunschweig

Afterwards, the participants explored the TU Braunschweig campus enjoying the perfect summer weather. Photo: Simone Fürst/TU Braunschweig

The students had the chance to get hands-on in many institutes and facilities at TU Braunschweig - like here at the Institute of Robotics and Process Informatics. Photo: Simone Fürst/TU Braunschweig

From microscopes to robots: the TU9-ING Woche offered insights into very different areas of STEM subjects. Photo: Simone Fürst/TU Braunschweig

The students were given authentic insights into the work of researchers at TU Braunschweig. Photo: Simone Fürst/TU Braunschweig

The group also visited the School Lab for Chemistry. Photo: Simone Fürst/TU Braunschweig

Short experiments carried out by the students themselves awakened their enthusiasm for chemistry. Photo: Simone Fürst/TU Braunschweig

The students took the opportunity to ask many questions about STEM studies. Photo: Daniel Götjen/TU Braunschweig

At the end of the week, TU President Angela Ittel handed all students their certificates of participation. Photo: Daniel Götjen/TU Braunschweig

“Our goal was to provide students interested in STEM with an authentic overview of the study opportunities available at TU9 universities in Germany and to encourage them to apply,” explained Anja Cziommer, Coordinator of the International Student Support at TU Braunschweig. Alongside her team, she guided the participants throughout their time in Braunschweig and concluded the week on a positive note: “The students were very open-minded and actively seized the opportunity to ask numerous questions about studying. The TU9-ING-Woche offers them a valuable glimpse into the academic world while providing TU9 universities with a chance to attract outstanding international students.”

Spreading enthusiasm for STEM studies at German TU9 universities

Angela Ittel, President of TU Braunschweig and Co-President of TU9, bid farewell to the participants on the final day of the programme before their journey home: “The TU9 universities embody tradition, excellence, and innovation. The faces of our young international guests lit up as they shared their experiences at TU Braunschweig. The most significant aspect for them was the opportunity to connect with one another and engage with our university. I hope that some of them will choose to study at one of our leading technical universities. Our team at TU Braunschweig has done a great job to encourage this.”

Upon their return, all participants will share their experiences from the TU9-ING-Woche with their schools and convey their impressions to classmates in a variety of formats. Whether through videos, presentations, or written reports, the insights gained during their visit to Braunschweig are communicated directly to German Schools Abroad around the globe.