UnitedSisters - Mentoring, Coaching and Networking for International Female Students
Connect. Share. Grow together.
UnitedSisters: A space for ambitious, international female students in Freiberg.
You came here to achieve something meaningful: a Master’s degree at a renowned technical university, in a new country, in a new language. This is a path not many choose.
At UnitedSisters, you will meet other students who have chosen this path as well. And mentors who have already walked it: international PhD candidates and researchers who are now studying, teaching and working at TUBAF. With them, you exchange ideas, learn from each other and develop what matters to you: academically, professionally and personally.
What to expect:
A trusting circle of women who listen to each other. Monthly group meetings where you can bring in your own topics, reflect and learn from one another. Workshops that help you explore career paths and prepare for events like the university career fair. Shared evenings of cooking, talking and laughing - in German, English and all the languages that come together.
We look forward to welcoming you if you:
want to expand your network at TUBAF, learn from experienced international women, reflect on your future paths and be part of a warm, international community.
The program runs over two semesters, is free of charge and funded by the ESF. You decide what you bring in and what you take away.
“Women together, we are powerful. We are strong. We are ready to make a difference.” Michelle Obama
About the Program
UnitedSisters is a mentoring and coaching program for international female students. It creates a space to connect, share experiences and grow together, both academically and personally.
Starting in May 2026, the program runs over two semesters. It focuses on empowerment, orientation and mutual support. Participants work on their own topics and questions, gain confidence in their studies and receive input for their personal and professional development.
They are accompanied by international mentors who have studied at the university, are pursuing or have completed a PhD, or work as academic staff.
What to Expect
The program combines different formats:
- Monthly group coaching sessions, where:
> personal topics can be discussed
> mentors provide input and guidance
- Workshops, e.g. preparing for career networking and the university career fair
- Social activities such as cooking evenings and informal meet-ups
- Peer support and networking in everyday student life
The program also cooperates with the International University Center (IUZ) and the Buddy Program.
All dates and updates are shared via OPAL and WhatsApp.
Dates for the 2026/27 Winter Semester
The UnitedSisters programme is conducted in English. Participation in each event is voluntary.
- 30 October 2026, 13:15–15:15: UnitedSisters Kick-off and Introduction
ZeHS, Seminar room EG.133 - 6 November 2026, 13:15–14:45: Coaching Session 1 – From Personal Interests to Shared Projects
ZeHS, Room 3.114 - 20 November 2026, 13:15–14:45: Coaching Session 2 and Workshop Input – Cultural Misunderstandings and Communication
ZeHS, Room 3.114 - 4 December 2026, 13:15–14:45: Baking Together
KüchenEck - 8 January 2027, 13:15–14:45: Coaching Session 3 and Alumni Talk – From International Studies to Working in Germany
ZeHS, Room 3.114 - 14 January 2027, 13:15–14:45: Joint Visit to the ORTE Careers Fair
Ulrich-Rülein-von-Calw Sporthalle - 22 January 2027, 13:15–14:45: Empowerment Workshop “My Career Vision” with Theresa Wand
ZeHS, Room 3.114 - 29 January 2027, 13:15–14:45: Coaching Session 4 – Progress, Mutual Advice and Preparation for the Examination Period
ZeHS, Room 3.114 - 9 February 2027, 13:15–14:45: StudyTogether – A Shared Space for Focused Study
University Library; exact meeting point to be announced - 12 March 2027, 13:15–14:45: StudyTogether – A Shared Space for Focused Work
University Library; exact meeting point to be announced - 26 March 2027, 13:15–14:45: End-of-Term Get-Together
ZeHS, Room 3.114
We are also planning a session called “Breathe, Reset & Focus – Simple Tools for Exam Stress”. The date, location and facilitator will be announced later.
The coaching sessions provide space to share personal interests, meet potential project partners and develop shared UnitedSisters projects in small groups. Mentors will be available to support you with questions, ideas, contacts and implementation. Participation is always voluntary, and your studies come first.
Who can participate?
Mentees (international female students)
You would like to:
- connect with other students
- gain more confidence in your studies
- develop personally
- be part of a supportive community
Then you are very welcome. We are looking for participants who are motivated and willing to take part regularly.
Become a Mentor
You would like to:
- share your experiences from your studies or academic path
- support and encourage other students in their personal and academic development
- contribute to an open, welcoming and supportive community
Then we would be very happy to welcome you as a mentor in the program.
Schedule / Coaching Sessions
Funding and Background
UnitedSisters is a project of TU Bergakademie Freiberg within the overarching project “Enhancing Learning Attractiveness in STEM Fields and Addressing Differences in Living and Learning Cultures.” It aims to strengthen the academic success of international female students through a two-semester empowerment program.
The project strengthens the personal development and career orientation of female students within a university network.
The project is led by the Graduate and Research Academy (Dr. Kristina Wopat) and the Equal Opportunities Officer of TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Prof. Dr. Yvonne Joseph, and is funded by the ESF.
"Women together, we are powerful. We are strong. We are ready to make a difference." Michelle Obama
