136 Exchange Students from 33 Countries Start at HOK
- 09.10.2026
- International
Welcome to Kufstein: The exchange students from 33 countries proudly presented their national flags on the campus of HOK | University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol.
A record start to the 2026 winter semester: HOK | University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol welcomed 136 exchange students from 33 countries. In addition to important information for the start of the semester, the focus was on interactive exercises in intercultural communication and networking.
On Tuesday, September 29th, the campus of HOK was transformed into a vibrant meeting place for 136 international exchange students from 33 different countries on the occasion of Orientation Day. This was a record, as the University welcomed more exchange students at the start of a semester than ever before.
The day began with a warm welcome from the university management: Rector Prof. (FH) PD Dr. Mario Döller and CEO Managing Director Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch welcomed the students and gave them inspiring words for their upcoming study stay.
A central theme of this year's Orientation Days was intercultural communication. In newly designed, interactive program elements, students playfully explored cultural differences. This immediately sensitized them to living and working together in an international environment at the start of their stay abroad, and allowed them to make initial contacts through shared exchanges.
PERSONAL SERVICE AND SUPPORT FROM THE IRO
To ensure a smooth start in Tyrol, the International Relations Office (IRO) supports students well beyond the first day. Even before their arrival, on September 17th, there was an online orientation day. This allowed students to clarify initial organizational hurdles, such as registering their residence, and answer any questions they may have – which helped alleviate many students' initial nervousness.
The enthusiasm of the exchange students for the upcoming semester is contagious and always makes me fondly remember my own semester abroad.
Anja Kaufmann
Head of the International Relations Office
"The Orientation Days are always something special for us: We get to know the incoming students for the first time and experience how they talk to each other and make initial contacts," says Anja Kaufmann, MSc, Head of the International Relations Office.
JOINT WELCOME DINNER AND FULL ESN PROGRAM
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) also contributed significantly to the successful launch. In addition to presenting the buddy program, ESN organized a lively welcome night, including a welcome dinner, immediately following the day's events.
The international students' calendar is already good for the coming weeks: an international dinner, a buddy get-together, and a joint hiking trip are on the agenda. This successful start demonstrates once again how vibrant the international community is at HOK.
Links:
- International Relations Office | Service
- Partner Universities | Website