RWTH: RWTH successful in internationalizing universities

RWTH Aachen University has now received the seal of the “Internationalization of Universities” audit, awarded by the University Rectors’ Conference (HRK). A procedure started in January 2021, in which the internationalization activities and strategy of RWTH Aachen University were externally assessed, thus came to a successful conclusion.

Professor Ute Habel, Vice Rector for International Affairs, gave the impetus for participation last year. In the first half of 2021, an internal RWTH working group prepared a self-report on the status quo, the goals, the opportunities and the risks of internationalization. This was followed by virtual visiting days in the summer, during which the experts held discussions with the Audit AG and other university members. This included RWTH Rector Professor Ulrich Rüdiger, professors, students and employees of the central university administration.

According to the HRK report, RWTH has “a very reflective, prudent and future-oriented approach with regard to the content and structural orientation of its internationalization.” Vice-Rector Ute Habel also draws a positive balance: “The audit enabled us to consolidate our internationalization strategy bring the university in and take in valuable impulses. We are pleased with the positive overall assessment of our internationalization activities as well as the recommendations to sharpen our measures in certain areas. ”The aim is to mainstream internationalization in all RWTH domains: teaching, research, transfer and organization. The desired internationalization should be characterized by cooperation on an equal footing and exchange at all levels worldwide.