Brunel Darwin Ngoune Domo, 24, is studying for a Master's degree in statistics and comes from Cameroon.

Alongside his studies, he works as a teaching assistant in his department and holds tutorials for the courses "Analysis 1" and "Analysis 2". He contributed his own assignments after the exchange with the students. He also leads an exercise for the course "Sampling Methods".

He is particularly interested in supporting international students with organizational challenges. He is actively involved in supporting other students when they start their studies as well as providing informal advice on course content and organization. This important support for students includes teaching them about the German study system or explaining the structure of degree courses.

"Don't let anyone tell you that your dreams are too big or too loud to achieve. Keep working hard and believe in yourself! I am proof that with determination and passion anything is possible! Proud to be part of the TU Dortmund University community! No limits (:"

Abier Yeldu comes from Iraq and is studying for a Master's degree in economics. She is highly committed to the integration of international students. She regularly organizes events for newly arrived students to promote exchange and getting to know each other, including a treasure hunt on campus and English-language film evenings.

As a contact person during the first few weeks at TU Dortmund University, she provides new students with advice and support and provides information on study organization and student life. Through her many years of involvement in the Come2Campus welcome event, Abier shows how important it is to her to support and guide international first-year students: "As a student, I am wholeheartedly committed because I feel that my passion can give strength to others, because true strength means being there for others."

Eivind Johan Andresen, 24, comes from Norway and is studying on the English-language Master's degree program "Religion, Ethics and Politics" at the Department of Human Sciences and Theology.

As a member of both the examination board and the MaREPoL student council, he also focuses on representing the interests of his fellow students. He organizes orientation events for international students and supports them as they start their studies. In addition to his interest in intercultural exchange, he works as a student assistant on a research project on religion and secularism in Western Europe. His commitment is characterized by the fact that he wants to promote open communication in order to make it easier for international students to start their studies and to support them in the process.

"If no one was committed to the inclusion of international students, this university would be a very cold place. The weather is cold enough as it is, so don't be afraid to get involved!"

Ghulam Zahra, comes from Pakistan and is studying the English-language Master's degree program "Religion, Ethics and Politics" at the Department of Human Sciences and Theology. As a member of the MAREPOL student council, she supports other students with integration by organizing orientation events and intercultural meetings. She is also a volunteer with "Democracy International" and has taken part in many of their youth-led democratic initiatives in Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

It is particularly important to her to bring in perspectives from the Global South and thus enrich the work of the network. In future, she would like to set up a team in Pakistan to provide information on topics such as climate change and democracy. She has already presented her research findings outside TU Dortmund University.

"As an international student, it is difficult to find your way, but I believe that if there is no way, then create one for yourself. As Robert Frost says: "The woods are dark, lonely and deep, but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep."

Valerie is doing her doctorate in the field of assistive technologies for adults with ADHD and is researching how interactive technologies can support this target group in everyday life. She is actively involved in teaching the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs by offering seminars on design thinking, speculative design and mixed reality and supervising final theses.

In addition to her academic work, she has been involved in fencing for many years. As a member of TSC Eintracht Dortmund, she is committed to facilitating access to fencing by training young athletes and takes on responsibility in the club's work as elected press officer. She combines academic work, teaching and volunteering in an exemplary way: "Volunteering is important to build community and promote integration. I encourage everyone to get involved and have fun at the same time. I feel at home working with everyone at TSC Eintracht Dortmund as well as at TU Dortmund University."

Rabya Arshad, 24, comes from Pakistan and is studying for a Master's degree in Religion, Ethics and Politics at the Faculty of Human Sciences and Theology.  In addition to her interest in intercultural exchange, she also focuses on voluntary work: „Being an international student, our experiences and exposure oft the job-market and of the community engagement programs are very limited. Hence, any kind of voluntary work outside or within uni should be highly prioritized by international students. It helped me greatly in increasing my confidence, exposure and to get a better idea of things.“.  Her commitment, both academic and personal, is characterized by her desire to encourage future generations to think critically and resolve conflicts.

Ha Minh Chau Vu, 21, is studying for a Bachelor's degree program  in Chemical Biology at the Faculty of Chemistry and is originally from Vietnam. In addition to her outstanding academic achievements, she is committed to promoting science for future generations as a student assistant at DLR_School_Lab: „By doing voluntary work, not only are you helping others, but you are also learning more about yourself. Furthermore, voluntary work helps you intergrate more smoothly in the society in another country, and create a balanced life outside of study and work.“.  Through her work, she helps to impart lasting knowledge and awaken an interest in science in young pupils.

Nataly Alejandra Manque Roa, 28, comes from Chile. She is studying for her doctorate in mechanical engineering. In her voluntary work as a volunteer speaker and mentor at the university in Chile, she is committed to supporting and mentoring young students who are at the beginning of their careers. The promotion of women in science is particularly close to her heart. For her, it is not just her academic successes in her studies that are important: „Volunteering not only enriches your professional life but also motivates other to improve their environment. Being part of an organization at TU Dortmund University is without a doubt a way to feel part of Germany´s culture and academia.“. She is committed to promoting scientific research and creating opportunities for international students.

Yuga Hikida, 24, comes from Japan and is studying for a Master's degree in Econometrics at the Faculty of Statistics. He is committed to the integration of international students by participating in events organized by his faculty in the student council: „Engaging in the TU Dortmund University community really helped me getting to know more people, enriching campus life,and improving both social and intellectual skills.“. Interest in intercultural activities and the integration of international students into the community is particularly important to him.

Sreeharshini Ankam, 23, comes from India and has been studying on the Sustainable Energy Systems Master's program since 2024.

She supports the Protection and Automation Lab as a research assistant and actively contributes to the further development of innovative solutions in energy supply. In addition to her outstanding academic achievements, she also impresses at the TU Start-up Weekend 2025 and the West Energy Manager Cup. Her commitment to prospective students is demonstrated, among other things, by her support as a volunteer at the e-fellows.net Startschuss Abi, where she helps high school graduates with their study orientation. At the Festival of Cultures, she contributed to cultural exchange and the promotion of integration on campus with a dance performance.

"Volunteering allows international students to give something back to the community that welcomes them. It's a way to build real relationships across cultural and academic boundaries and feel rooted in a new place while showing gratitude and giving back to the community that has welcomed you. It has helped me find belonging, live teamwork and make university life a little warmer for others who are far from home."