Johannes Kepler Universität Linz

International Welcome Center - JKU Linz

Central point of contact offering advice and activities for prospective and enrolled international students, staff, and internal information hubs (institutes).

Some people talking to each other in different groups on the open day. — © Johannes Kepler Universität - IWC

Open House at the International Welcome Center

Objectives

The International Welcome Centre (IWC) at the JKU Linz is the central point of contact for international students and staff and aims to provide international students and staff with long-term support from the very beginning. The aim is to facilitate access to all relevant information and support services and to enable a smooth transition to studying, working and living in Linz. Its central location directly on campus further facilitates access to the service centre. The target group includes prospective international students, Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral candidates, as well as international employees. The IWC contributes significantly to the implementation of the JKU's strategic goal of actively promoting internationalisation and establishing an open and welcoming culture. This culture of welcome starts from the moment of first contact (prospective students, applications from international colleagues), is further established upon arrival at the JKU, through welcome events and personal guidance, and continues until graduation or the termination of employment.

Background

The increasing number of English-language degree programmes (as of July 2025: 25 programmes) and high international demand necessitated the creation of a central service facility. The International Welcome Centre was founded in 2020 as a JKU project to meet this need in a structured way. Initiated by the Rectorate and managed by Sonja Falkner Matzinger, the IWC was established as a separate organisational unit together with the Student Ombuds Office and the MORE-initiative and is assigned to the Vice-Rectorate for Research and International Affairs. The IWC has been located in a central location on campus since January 2022. The university supports these structures with personnel, organisational and financial resources. The IWC also actively promotes networking and exchange with the city of Linz, the province of Upper Austria, the location agency Business Upper Austria (bizUP), the Austrian Business Agency (ABA), the OeAD and non-profit organisations.

(Implemented) Activities

• Access to information: websites with comprehensive information tailored to the target audience • Guidance: on site, by telephone, by email, online appointments for individuals or groups, Facebook group for networking and exchange • Welcome events: campus tours, orientation sessions, scavenger hunts for first-year students • Social events: annual open day at the IWC, diversity campaigns (#JKUShowYourDiversity), movie nights,… • Professional integration: Job Matching Day, application training in the form of lectures and workshops (‘How to apply for a job in Austria’ workshop day – CV, cover letter, job interview) • Promotion of events (run by partners): Expat Café hosted by the city of Linz, events organised by Come2Upper Austria, events with the Catholic Student Centre KHG (Language Cafés) and the student union ÖH These activities specifically support access to information, social networking and integration, directly addressing the organization’s strategic goals and encouraging establishment of an overarching culture of welcome.

Results

• Strong presence and use of advisory services (in person and online) • High attendance at events (e.g. information sessions, scavenger hunts, job matching day, etc.) • Promotion of international dialogue: get-togethers, the language café and diversity initiatives promote networking and community spirit • Professional integration: Our Job Matching Day leads to the successful placement of students with companies and won the state prize for integration in 2024 • Positive feedback from the target group on easier access to information and personal support In the long term, these actions promote the retention of international talent in Austria, support their first steps in academic and professional life and contribute to the country's excellent international reputation.

Lessons learned

Different residence and visa requirements require for flexible, personalised support. Solution: Ongoing training of staff; attending (networking) events, including Plattform Fremdenrecht, Asylforum, Integrationskonferenz OÖ; combination of personal support and digital formats, e.g. online group meetings, etc.; regular exchange with the OeAD, the ABA, the Linz municipal authorities and Come2Upper Austria. Challenge in relation to events and information sessions: Different cultural experiences and language levels Solution: Multilingual moderation, mix of formal information elements and informal exchange High bureaucratic requirements for international students from third countries, e.g. timing application procedures and deadlines at universities with residence permit regulations (coordinating appointments with embassies, etc.) Another challenge is finding accommodation for international students in the Linz area. Lessons learned: • Early contact with students in their first semesters at JKU significantly reduces their hesitancy to make use of available services • Regular exchange with key partners is extremely important • Commitment from the Rectorate is essential • Early career orientation (Job Matching Day) strengthens student motivation and practicality