Change instead of dropping out: Individual advice for international students with doubts about their studies

In today's fast-paced world, it is not uncommon for students to have doubts at some point in their academic career. International students in particular are often confronted with additional challenges that make entering the German education system more difficult. This is where the open-ended advice and individual support provided by "Umsteigen statt Aussteigen" from the Hannover Region's employment promotion service comes in - a solution in the advisory jungle at the interface between university and career.

Major challenges for a student

Hanover Region

An impressive example of this support is the story of international student Vivekanand Ottalingam from Hanover. He comes from India and is studying electrical engineering and computer science, but struggled with the reality of his "university dream" from the very beginning. In a conversation in January 2024, he said:"I came across the offer via an advertisement in the subway and was very interested."The first conversation with the project coordinator Marcus Voitel from "Umsteigen statt Aussteigen" was the start of an important journey in his academic and professional career.

The consultancy focused on exploring alternative training opportunities and understanding the complex visa requirements in Germany. Ottalingam already had practical experience as an electronics hobbyist and worked as a hardware developer and logistics administrator at Pocuter GmbH. But he was unsure how to continue his career in Germany.

Thanks to the support of "Umsteigen statt Aussteigen" and Marcus Voitel, he gained access to valuable contacts and a wide range of consulting and coaching tools. He was able to take part in events such as Campus Day at Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, where he was able to get to know the inspiring learning environment and dedicated employees.

A great sense of achievement

The individual support and encouraging discussions quickly led to tangible successes: Vivekanand Ottalingam got an internship at Pocuter GmbH, where he gained practical experience and deepened his passion for electrical engineering. Another milestone was his transfer from Leibniz Universität Hannover to Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, where he was able to continue his studies on a Bachelor's degree course with an affinity for the subject.

He was also able to demonstrate his innovative strength: Together with his team, he successfully took a project to the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, which reached half of its funding target within two days. This not only demonstrates his personal progress, but also the visibility and potential of Pocuter GmbH as an up-and-coming company in Hanover.

Conclusion: A new path for international students

The support provided by the Hannover Region not only helped the student to find his place in the education system, but also to feel at home in the city. The success story shows that individual advice and personal support from "Umsteigen statt Aussteigen" are decisive factors in helping international students to reorient themselves. These services are a valuable tool not only for overcoming individual challenges, but also for developing the potential of each individual.

Thanks to the open-ended advice from the Hannover Region's employment promotion project, the student is now on a promising path and can continue to pursue his passion for electrical engineering and innovation in an inspiring environment. Hanover is thus becoming known not only as a city of science and innovation, but also as a place where international talent can find a future.