Ethnicity: Migration Biography & Nationality
Different roots. Same destination: forward!
HHN regards diversity as a central component of an open university culture that fosters learning. People bring with them different backgrounds, migration biography, languages and perspectives. This diversity is an integral part of our university and enriches research, teaching and campus life. At the same time, we recognise that discrimination and racism are real experiences that can affect study and working conditions.
The university is therefore actively committed to ensuring equal opportunities and inclusion. We raise awareness within the university community of the risks of racism and structural disadvantages, encourage international perspectives, and develop support and advisory services for students and staff with international or migration-related backgrounds.
Terms
International students
In the context of higher education, the term ‘international students’ refers to individuals who obtained their university entrance qualifications abroad and, as so-called ‘foreign students’, are pursuing a degree, a PhD or an academic career in Germany. This group was not raised in Germany.
Migration biography
In this context, ‘migration biography’ refers to people who were raised in Germany but either were not born in Germany themselves or have at least one parent who was not born in Germany. Unlike the ‘international’ category, the ‘migration biography’ category therefore does not include people who migrated to Germany solely to study or work, but rather those whose educational pathway is largely rooted in the German school system.
Source: Burel, S., Wieser, J., Kramer, B., Müller-Vogt, M., Altmayer, N., Rawe, T., Kanzleiter, L. & Saur, F. (o. D.). Metastudie – Diversity-Monitor für den MINT-Forschungsbereich. In Klaus Tschira Stiftung gGmbH, diversity company & LUB GmbH, Metastudie – Diversity-Monitor für den MINT-Forschungsbereich [Report]. https://klaus-tschira-stiftung.de/wp-content/uploads/Metastudie-Diversity-Monitor.pdf (German only)
Offers
Contact point against racism
Protection against racism is a central focus of our equity and diversity work.
Under the State Higher Education Act, the university is obliged to combat discrimination and to protect its members and affiliates from racial discrimination on the grounds of ethnic origin or religious affiliation (Section 4a(2)). Prevention, awareness-raising and reliable support services are designed to empower those affected and ensure that incidents are dealt with consistently. Our contact point against racism offers you independent support if you have experienced or witnessed racist discrimination or anti-Semitism.
International Office
The International Office supports the internationalisation of Heilbronn University and serves as the central point of contact for all matters relating to international activities. The team advises students, lecturers and staff on stays abroad, funding opportunities and international collaborations, coordinates university partnerships and supports international exchange students.
Working closely with the faculties, the International Office implements Heilbronn University's internationalisation strategy and helps to strengthen international experience, mobility and intercultural exchange in the long term.
Internationalisation Unit
The Internationalisation Unit supports Heilbronn University in its internationalisation initiatives. It reports to the Prorector International Affairs and Diversity and acts as the central point of contact for international full-time students (degree-seeking students) from the moment they decide to study here until the end of their degree. The unit is also responsible for projects focused on the internationalisation of Heilbronn University.
Further responsibilities:
- Strategic development and monitoring in the area of internationalisation
- Advice on internationalisation projects outside the scope of student exchange programmes
