This year’s Federal Foreign Office award for excellent provision of services for international students in Germany goes to the student organisation AStA (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss) at RWTH Aachen. AStA receives the 30,000-euro award for #AStAhilft, its student initiative for unbureaucratic emergency aid.

‘In the first waves of the coronavirus pandemic, lots of international students were hit particularly hard by the contact restrictions and the switch to digital teaching. In many cases they lost their part time jobs and therefore their income, too. Members of the AStA at RWTH Aachen took exemplary action in providing swift, unbureaucratic assistance,’ said DAAD President Professor Dr Joybrato Mukherjee, congratulating the award winner. He added: ‘As a graduate of RWTH Aachen myself, I’m particularly pleased to see such active commitment at my alma mater, of course.’ 

‘Student initiatives are indispensable for a diverse social and academic life at German universities. The Aachen initiative is a fine example of what solidarity and a sense of responsibility can achieve. This kind of commitment to supporting international students sends out a powerful signal far beyond Germany,’ said Michelle Müntefering, Minister of State for International Cultural Policy at the Federal Foreign Office.

By students, for students

Now presented for the 42nd time, the award goes to the AStA in Aachen for its wide-ranging support for international students during the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, the award pays tribute to the speed of response to emergencies faced by international students at RWTH at the height of the pandemic. The ‘RWTHhilft Scholarship’ was offered to help international students who found themselves in a financial emergency, for example. The AStA solicited the private donations needed to finance the scholarships and also took care of processing the applications. The initiative had a quick and easy solution when it came to the switch to digital distance learning, too: students were able to borrow laptops free of charge. 

Recognition of accomplishments in the integration of international students

As part of its cultural relations and education policy, the Federal Foreign Office is committed to the internationalisation of Germany as a science and research hub. The award for excellent services to international students presented by the Federal Foreign Office recognises effective and innovative models of support. As such, it is intended to contribute to improving the welcoming culture at German universities. The amount of 30,000 euros is also intended to create an incentive for people to become more active in supporting the interests and issues relating to international students and doctoral candidates.

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A press photo can be downloaded here.