They come from five continents and bring the whole world to Mainz: About 130 international students are new to the Department of Economics at Mainz University of Applied Sciences and were officially welcomed at a ceremony marking the start of the 2025/26 winter semester.
The group is as diverse as it is international: Students from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Jordan, India, South Korea, Vietnam, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Hawaii, as well as from numerous European countries such as Spain, Albania, Portugal, and Italy, are beginning their studies in Mainz this semester.
Among the new arrivals are exchange students, master’s students, double-degree students, and, for the first time, the new bachelor’s students in the International Business program, which is being offered for the first time this year.
“You help us make our campus even more international and diverse,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Daniel Porath, international coordinator and program director, in his welcome address. He wished all students a successful start as well as many valuable experiences during their studies and their stay in Mainz.
Gabriel Belinga Belinga, Director of the International Office, also encouraged the students to take an active role in shaping the coming semesters: “Build networks,” he advised, adding, “At some point, you’ll see each other again and benefit not only personally but also professionally from your time here in Mainz.”
Prof. Dr. Hans-Christoph Reiss, Dean of the School of Business, emphasized that the university is not solely focused on academic qualifications: “At Mainz University of Applied Sciences, we believe in more than just academic excellence. We believe in shaping leaders who take responsibility, think beyond themselves, and act with integrity—both in business and in society.”
With this vision and the goal of preparing students as best as possible for their professional futures, the Department of Business is looking forward to an exciting new semester. “We are proud to welcome you to our community,” Reiss concluded.
The Department of Economics at Mainz University of Applied Sciences places particular emphasis on internationalization and diversity. With the introduction of the new bachelor’s program in International Business, the university is strengthening its profile on the international stage and offering students from all over the world an attractive learning environment in the heart of Rhineland-Palatinate.
