The STAY2GROW project focuses on the needs of international students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) on the Kamp-Lintfort campus, as well as their integration into the local community and economy. For us, it was therefore not only meaningful but also highly effective to directly involve HSRW students in the development of STAY2GROW measures.

As part of an Interdisciplinary Project (IP), students from different semesters and study programs came together in three project groups to explore where exactly barriers and challenges exist in everyday professional and private life, and how these can be removed or how students can be supported in overcoming them.

For example, the research group conducted interviews with local companies, associations, and international students to identify their needs and challenges. Companies and associations are generally very interested in recruiting international students as employees or members. However, they often lack suitable structures to connect with students. Students, in turn, reported difficulties in finding housing, jobs, and integrating into local society. From their perspective, the central issue is also the lack of direct contact persons and central communication channels.

Another student group focused on implementing a Language Café at the university. This is an informal language learning format without traditional classroom teaching. It focuses on everyday German and professional communication. The goal is to build students’ confidence by helping them form social connections while improving their language skills together. This informal learning approach proved particularly effective, as the barrier to speaking German is significantly lower when everyone is, figuratively speaking, in the same boat – or rather café.

The third student group volunteered at an animal shelter, for example by walking dogs. This also helped foster social connections among students, as well as with the local community. In addition to promoting regional integration, this initiative also focused on students’ mental well-being.

After intensive work throughout the winter semester 2025/26, the students submitted their final report in February 2026. The key findings are as follows:

Key findings:
All stakeholders are open to collaboration, but central structures and well-known communication channels are missing.
Informal and practice-oriented offers are particularly effective.
Personal encounters promote integration more strongly than formal programs.

Additional findings:
Many international students feel lonely. Reasons include lack of networks, language barriers, and cultural differences.
Social activities and a sense of community are crucial for improving integration.

Key recommendations:
A central coordination office is recommended, along with improved language support, stronger networking between stakeholders, and low-threshold access to services.
In addition, structural issues such as housing and access to the job market should be improved.

Conclusion:
There is great potential to retain international students in the region. However, this potential is not fully realized due to missing structures. The key lies in social integration, practical experiences, and stronger connections between people.

The results of the IP project fully support the direction of STAY2GROW. The input from the project is now being incorporated into further development of measures. Even beyond the IP project, ongoing dialogue with students remains absolutely essential for the success of our initiatives. Together, the work continues!