Internationalization
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As a modern European university, the FernUniversität in Hagen sees internationalization as a quality feature for all its areas of activity – whether this takes the form of academic study, teaching, research, or administration. Open-mindedness, a willingness to understand other cultures and respectful interaction are a fundamental prerequisite for this.
Internationalization has been firmly anchored as a key objective for the university through the establishment of the office of the Vice-President for Continuing Education, Knowledge Transfer, and International Affairs. Organizationally, it represents a task that must be implemented jointly by all departments of the university.
The team at the International Office is on hand to advise and support all university students and staff with their internationalization projects.
Upcoming Events
2 June 2025 “Ways to Study Abroad” information event at the English Café (online)
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join us on Monday, 2 June, for the online event “Ways to Study Abroad” hosted by the International Office in the English Café. This session will provide you with a useful overview of the different options for studying abroad during your time at university. FernUni employees are also warmly welcome to attend.
Lena Aust from the FernUni’s International Office will be making a guest appearance at the English Café to provide you with information about the many opportunities that are available to study abroad while at FernUniversität. The event is aimed at students and employees of FernUni. The information event will be held in English.
Make the most of this opportunity to ask questions and talk to the International Office.
11 July 2025 “Ways to Study Abroad” information event at Coffee Lectures (online)
On Friday, 11 July, FernUni Berlin will host an online information session on programs that enable students to study abroad as part of its “Coffee Lectures” series.
The “Coffee Lecture” on “Ways to Study Abroad” offers a clear overview of how you can spend part of your studies abroad. You’ll learn about funding options like Erasmus+ and PROMOS, as well as opportunities for both short- and long-term stays at our partner universities across Europe and beyond.
Whether you're interested in studying, doing an internship, or taking language courses abroad, this session has something for everyone.
What Does the International Office Actually Do?
Description of the organization chart
The graphic represents a circle that is divided into three areas. In the middle is the logo of the FernUniversität.
The following areas are distinguished by color:
- Strategy
- Service & Support
- Mobility
1. Strategy
- Strategic internal and external internationalization
- Representation in international networks
- Expansion and maintenance of the partnership network
2. Service & Support
- Support for teaching staff in the internationalization of the curriculum
- Advice on international funding opportunities (e.g., DAAD, Erasmus+, etc.)
- Welcome Service
- English proofreading and translation service
3. Mobility
- Advice on international mobility for university staff
- Administration of funding programs (e.g., Erasmus+, STIBET, etc.)
- Organization of and advice on Staff Weeks, job shadowing, etc.
Internationalization of higher education – a boost for research, teaching, and the university
The International Office can help you with all your internationalization projects.
We have put together a summary of what we offer and how we can support you in our flyer.
Internationalization flyer (PDF 449 KB)
Latest News from the International Office
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SAVE THE DATE / Call for Abstracts
I HE - EADTU Conference from October 8-10, 2025 on the Hagen campus! Abstracts for lectures, workshops and research presentations can still be submitted until 2.5.25
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MOU with the University of South Africa (UNISA)
On 23 September 2024, Puleng LenkaBula, Rector of UNISA, and Ada Pellert, Rector of the FernUniversität, signed a joint memorandum of understanding.
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Summer School: Aristotle University Thessaloniki
The Erasmus+ BIP program helped eight Philosophy II students from Hagen studying to participate in the summer school on bioethics.
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OpenEU is here! The FernUniversität is on board!
Funding: The first step have been taken toward establishing a Europe-wide open university whose partners are committed to inclusive, digital, and sustainable education.
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Getting to know Japanese law from the inside
MOU: In June, the long-awaited partnership agreement between the Faculty of Law and Dōshisha Law School in Kyoto came into effect.
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MCE Project Presented in Barcelos, Portugal
Dr. Mirna Zeman participated in the 3rd IPCA’s InWeek, themed “Are Micro-Credentials Reshaping Higher Education?”, and presented the MCE project and its results.
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EADTU Staff Week 2024 at the FernUni
On 16–17 May 2024, we welcomed around 35 international guests at the EADTU Staff Week on the Hagen campus.
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FernUni Delegation Visits Costa Rica
Vice-President Uwe Elsholz and Rahel Hutgens traveled to Costa Rica to participate in the ICDE conference and renew cooperation with UNED.
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Global Together: International Day on 26.10.2023
Vice-President Uwe Elsholz and the Head of Administration, Birgit Rimpo-Repp open the event "Together globally – opportunities for internationalization for colleagues"
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FernUni Strengthens Cooperation with OUC Cyprus
At the end of September 2023, the FernUniversität received a visit from Cyprus to strengthen the relationship between the two institutions through a Memorandum of Understanding.
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Erasmus+ Staff Week at the FernUniversität
Eleven employees from various European (distance-learning) universities spent an enjoyable week with us on campus in Hagen.
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New MoU with the University of Namibia
Members of the management of the FernUniversität in Hagen and the University of Namibia met in Windhoek to sign a new memorandum of understanding (MoU).
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Advise, support, translate: The FernUni International Office presented itself at this year’s International Day to let people know about the many services it provides.
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studyBRIDGE – Your Bridge to Studying in Germany
An online program offered by the FernUniversität in Hagen to prepare Ukrainian students to study in Germany.
International Office Newsletter for FeU Members
Our newsletter is published four times a year and contains the latest news, dates, and announcements relating to the internationalization of FernUni.
If you would like to stay up to date, you can register for our (German-language) newsletter using the button.
Photo: Adobe Stock, Svetlana Ray
Do you have any suggestions, ideas, or questions about internationalization at the FernUniversität in Hagen? Feel free to get in touch with us.
Useful Information
International Guests
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Welcome to the FernUniversität in Hagen! Find the most important information for your stay.
Virtual Mobility
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Innovative and international digital projects at the FernUniversität.
Internationalization in Action
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Get a glimpse of the diverse international cooperations, activities, and events at the FernUniversität.
International Office
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Your point of contact for questions or assistance with international affairs at the FernUniversität.
