International exchange at the heart of the University: THWS hosts International Teaching Week 2026
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) has once again opened its doors to international guests this year: for a whole week, the International Teaching Week (ITW) brought professors and visiting lecturers from all over the world to THWS – including strategic partner universities and cooperation partners from joint projects such as the UNINOVIS university alliance.
"The ITW 2026 impressively demonstrated how deeply internationality is now rooted in our University. When our faculties organise such a week independently, that is international university culture in action," said THWS President Professor Dr. Jean Meyer. "I am very proud of the commitment shown by everyone involved."
Faculties take the lead
A characteristic feature of the ITW 2026 was the return to faculty-led organisation: responsibility for the entire teaching and events programme lay entirely with the faculties of THWS. They independently organised guest lectures, workshops, and interactive teaching formats – without a central theme or overarching motto. This gave the faculties maximum freedom to highlight their respective priorities in teaching, research, and practice.
Students were provided with the usual diverse range of international impulses: they could attend courses and workshops with guests from various countries, experience specialist lectures in English, and make valuable contacts for their studies, internships, or future careers – all without leaving their own campus environment.
Networking in the newly designed THWS Library Lounge
The festive atmosphere of the week was provided by the THWS International Office (HSIN) and the International Projects Unit (SIP). The two units organised the traditional evening event, which this year took place in the newly designed THWS Library Lounge on the Münzstraße campus. In the modern setting, international guests and THWS staff were offered numerous opportunities for personal exchange and for making new contacts.
"The evening event is the heart of the ITW – this is where connections are forged that last beyond the week," says Dr. Daniel Wimmer, Head of HSIN, with delight. "These connections translate strategic partnerships into active collaboration and lay the foundation for joint projects, research collaborations, and mobility programmes from which our students benefit in the long term."
The international evening event has been an integral part of the ITW for years and offers the opportunity to bring personal encounters to formal university partnerships. In addition to academic exchange, this year's event focused particularly on getting to know one another and nurturing existing networks.
"International cooperation grows through trust – and trust grows through encounters. Many international projects, whether in EU-funded programmes or curriculum development, have their origins in precisely such moments," explains Dr. Monika Heitz, Head of SIP. "The ITW is therefore also a strategic tool for us to initiate and deepen international project partnerships."
Internationalisation as a joint endeavour
The ITW 2026 exemplifies the strategic direction of THWS: internationalisation should not only be anchored in central units, but deeply woven into the everyday life of the faculties. Thanks to the faculties' independent organisation, this ambition is particularly evident this year. The enthusiasm of the participating lecturers, students, and international guests encourages us to continue along this path.
"The week has shown that a positive atmosphere and effective planning and organisation are interconnected," said Pasi Kuusijärvi, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Media at UNINOVIS partner institution Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK). Vesa Vuorinen, Senior Lecturer in Business Entrepreneurship and Team Coaching, also from TAMK, shares this view: "I chose THWS as my first UNINOVIS destination, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. We were able to develop many ideas for joint projects. I will never forget the sense of community I experienced in Würzburg – especially over a glass of wine together on the Alte Mainbrücke bridge."
THWS would like to thank all visiting lecturers, the participating faculties, and the International Office for their exceptional commitment and is already looking forward to the International Teaching Week 2027.
About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and has driven teaching and applied research since it was founded in 1971. With about 9,200 students, a diverse range of more than 60 degree programmes and two graduate schools, THWS covers a broad spectrum from technology, economics and social sciences to languages and design. THWS is not only rooted in the region, but also has a strong international focus, which is reflected in numerous collaborations and exchange programmes worldwide and not least in a versatile English-taught degree programmes.
Contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
International Office
Dr. Monika Heitz
Dr. Daniel Wimmer
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
Press contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Angela Kreipl
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
+49 931 3511-8354
