SWOP

A new country, a new university, and so many new experiences. It’s great to have someone by your side who knows the ropes. That’s exactly what SWOP is for!

SWOP stands for Students Welcome and Orientation Project. The team consists of dedicated THA students who work closely with the International Office. For many years, SWOP has been helping exchange students settle in at THA quickly and easily. The goal is simple: to make you feel welcome from day one.

What does SWOP do?

You can get in touch with the SWOP team even before you arrive. The Buddies will help you with any questions you have about your stay and will be there to assist you even after you arrive. Whether you want to know how to open a bank account, find your way around Augsburg, or locate the right contact person at THA—the SWOP team is happy to help.

During the semester, SWOP also organizes many group activities. This way, you’ll not only get to know Augsburg and Bavaria, but also meet students from Germany and all over the world.

For example, you can look forward to:

  • international dinners and social gatherings
  • city tours and excursions in Augsburg
  • hikes and recreational activities
  • Day trips, for example to Munich, Salzburg, Regensburg, or Neuschwanstein Castle
  • many more events throughout the semester

You can also find highlights from SWOP and its activities on SWOP’s Instagram profile!

What is a Buddy?

Every exchange student is assigned a personal Buddy. Your Buddy is a student at THA who will help you get settled in Augsburg and serve as your first point of contact for questions about your studies and life in Germany.

For example, your Buddy will help you:

  • find your way around campus,
  • get to know Augsburg,
  • answer questions about everyday student life,
  • make connections with other students,
  • and make you feel at home at THA quickly.

This often results not only in helpful tips, but also in friendships that last well beyond the exchange semester.

How does the Buddy Program work?

Before your exchange semester begins, you’ll receive an email from the SWOP team. It will include your Buddy’s contact information, as well as details about communication channels and upcoming events.

You can then get in touch with your Buddy right away. Maybe he or she has even written to you already. This way, you’ll get to know someone before you arrive and can clarify many questions in advance.

Why is a Buddy so helpful for exchange students?

An exchange semester brings with it many new experiences. A Buddy will help you settle in quickly at THA and in Augsburg. Right from the start, you’ll have a contact person who can answer your questions, share their experiences with you, and make your day-to-day life as a student easier. This will help you find your way around faster, meet new people, and enjoy your exchange semester from the very beginning.

Are you a student at THA and interested in becoming a Buddy?

Would you like to meet international students and help them get settled in Augsburg? Then contact the SWOP team at swop(at)tha.de and become a Buddy! As a Buddy, you’ll support one or more exchange students during their stay, offer practical advice, and get to know people from all over the world. At the same time, you’ll gain valuable intercultural experience, improve your language skills, and make international friends. The SWOP team is always happy to welcome dedicated THA students who are interested in becoming part of our international community.