Courses taught in English, the international feel of campus life as well as personal support – the list of reasons why students from around the world feel particularly at home at IMC Krems goes on and on. This summer semester, the university welcomed 104 incoming students from 28 nations. These international students are spending either one or two semesters in Krems. Most of them come from Europe, but IMC Krems also has excellent contacts in America and Asia – which is why the number of transcontinental students is on the rise. The university has a network of over 170 partner universities worldwide.
A popular choice: interactive teaching and a personal atmosphere
Many of the incoming students enjoy their time in Krems so much that they want to extend their stay. This reflects the wide selection of English-language programmes offered at the university. The visiting students also appreciate the interactive teaching style and project-centred work at IMC Krems. What’s more, the IMC International Welcome Center team organises a host of activities for them: “Our support for incoming students extends over several months – from registration and the Welcome Week programme to leisure activities during the semester,” explains Welcome Center Manager Doris Molnar. The university has also developed a buddy system to help international students find their feet quickly, with each international student receiving support from one full-time student.
Intercultural experience: an integral part of studying at IMC Krems
The exchange students are part of the 80-nation international community at the university. Around 20% of IMC Krems’ 3,000 full-time students come from abroad. So even for students based in Krems, intercultural experience lies at the heart of every IMC degree programme.
The seven-strong team in the university’s International Relations department put in the hard work that makes all of this possible: “We’re delighted that additional funding has been earmarked for transnational mobility," says Head of International Relations Iris Waringer. Many of the international exchange places are funded through the EU's Erasmus+ programme.
Outgoing: students, lecturers and staff
But internationalisation isn’t a one-way street. That’s why many IMC students also spend a semester at a university abroad. They benefit from the university’s services and expertise, too. In addition, more and more IMC staff and lecturers are gaining practical experience in other countries. This is the goal of the Staff Mobility for Teaching & Training programme. So all in all, IMC Krems has never had a more international feel!
